The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving the report of the biometric staff verification exercise conducted across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The association gave the commendation at the end of its meeting held on Monday at the Mayor’s Lodge in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on behalf of the association’s leadership, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, said the exercise would promote transparency, accountability and effective workforce planning across the councils.
ALGON also called on the state government to expedite the biometric verification of retirees to establish the actual number of pensioners on local government payrolls.
The association noted that about nine per cent of local government funds were deducted to meet pension-related obligations, stressing that accurate pension records would improve financial planning and accountability.
On complaints arising from the staff verification exercise, ALGON commended the establishment of a complaints committee to review and resolve genuine grievances.
It disclosed that funds relating to disputed cases had been placed in escrow accounts pending the outcome of the review, assuring affected persons that legitimate claims would be honoured after verification.
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The association also expressed concern over attempts to lower the recognised age of adulthood in addressing alleged cases of underage employment. It maintained that all decisions on the matter must comply with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and other relevant laws.
ALGON said it would formally communicate its position to the chairman of the complaints committee to ensure that the matter was handled in accordance with applicable legal provisions.
Addressing concerns over local government finances, the association explained that council allocations were subject to statutory deductions, personnel expenses and other financial obligations.
It assured residents that savings from the verification exercise would be redirected towards grassroots development, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services.
The association further reaffirmed its commitment to peer review and cooperation among the 23 councils as strategies for strengthening governance and improving service delivery at the grassroots.
On flooding in parts of Rivers State, ALGON disclosed that council chairmen were documenting affected communities and residents in collaboration with the state government’s Flood Intervention Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu.
It reiterated the councils’ commitment to supporting affected residents and working with relevant authorities to mitigate the impact of the flooding.
ALGON reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, constitutional governance and people-oriented administration, noting that the biometric verification exercise was intended to establish an accurate personnel database, eliminate irregularities and ensure the prudent management of public resources for the benefit of Rivers State residents.
