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By Pius Dukor
The acting chairman of Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Mr. Goodlife Ben, has said that the governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has good plans for all the 23 local government areas of the state.
Mr. Ben dropped the hint at the interactive meeting with key management staff of the 23 local councils in the state at NULGE office in Port Harcourt.
The acting chairman explained that the meeting became necessary so that the key staff can chart a new way for the development of the local councils across the state.
He maintained that Governor Sim Fubara has decided to push those things that will distract him aside and focus on good governance for the benefit of the people, adding that under his leadership the local councils cannot afford to fail.
He tasked the workers to bring out suggestions that will move the council forward so that he can present to the governor for implementation, while reminding the council staff that the local governments are very strategic to the governor.
In an interview with the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) president, Mr. Clifford Paul, who is also the head of Admin, Khana Local Government council, expressed gratitude to the governor over the appointment of Mr. Goodlife Ben as the acting chairman Local Government Service Commission.
He said the appointment is in tandem with current realities on ground, noting that, Mr. Ben Goodlife is a seasonal administrator, cool-headed person and is supported by the people.
Mr. Clifford Paul stated that the issued discussed at the meeting includes workers promotion, pension, minimum wage, among others, noting that the appointment of Mr. Ben came at the very good time.
He also lamented that Local Government workers find it difficult to receive pension after retirement due to some bottlenecks, hoping that the governor will look into the plight of the LGA workers.
The NULGE president pleaded with the governor that those on level 17 at the local councils should receive the same benefit as their counterparts at the state ministries.
Also speaking, Mr. Cyril Ayamba Okerenogba, head of Administration Eleme LGA stated that the meeting with the acting chairman was very successful as the chairman hit the ground running which shows the ability that he is a good administrator.
He regretted that the local government workers have been denied for so long especially there was no local government service commission chairman for the past three years, while thanking the governor for appointing Mr. Goodlife Ben as the acting chairman Local Government Service Commission.
In an interview with journalists, Mr. Digineen Earnest, head of Administration, Ahoada West said the meeting was very important as it will bring total transformation for the development of local government workers in the state.
He maintained that the workers have been abandoned for too long due to lack of promotion in the past eight years. He advised that some of the departments fused together should be separated for work efficiency and hope that their request to the governor will be answered, while expressed thanks for the appointment of Mr. Goodlife Ben by the governor of the state.
