Local Government workers in Rivers State have suspended their planned strike action following a decisive intervention by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The workers called off the industrial action which was scheduled to begin at midnight on Tuesday after a closed-door meeting held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The dispute that triggered the strike originated in the Emohua Local Government Area. The issue arose when the recently re-elected Council Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, reportedly refused to pay some staff, claiming they had not undergone due verification. This employment dispute had earlier escalated into a protest along the Emohua axis of the East–West Road.
The high-level meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), members of the Local Government Service Commission, and the Chairman of Emohua LGA, Chidi Lloyd. Though the detailed outcomes were not immediately disclosed, the parties confirmed that an understanding was reached, leading directly to the strike’s suspension.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Rivers State NULGE President, Clifford Paul, officially announced the suspension of the strike and assured union members that their grievances would be resolved. “We have resolved. His Excellency has directed that this matter will be handled harmoniously,” Paul said. “On behalf of the State Administrative Council of NULGE, I am calling on all branch chairmen and officers to end the strike.”
Israel Amadi, Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, described the deliberations as productive, thanking the Governor for his timely intervention. “It was a very fruitful deliberation,” he commented. “The Governor has given clear directives, and we are confident that the resolutions will be implemented.” Emohua LGA Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, also praised Governor Fubara’s transparent handling of the matter, stating, “It is not personal. We just want transparency in the system, and the Governor has made that clear.”
