Rivers State Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has issued a two-week ultimatum to all 23 local government area administrators to submit detailed developmental plans for their councils. The directive comes ahead of the expected passage of the Rivers State N1.48 trillion Appropriation Bill, recently submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The bill, described as a comprehensive financial plan for the state, prioritizes infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture. It earmarks ₦324 billion for infrastructure, ₦166 billion for education, and ₦75 billion for agriculture, social welfare, and related sectors.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a four-day transformational leadership training workshop in Port Harcourt, organised by the state government in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ibas urged council heads to put their training into action by crafting strategic, community-specific initiatives.
“To deliver the greatest impact, a careful needs assessment, planning, budgeting, and deliberate efforts at monitoring and evaluation are essential,” Ibas said.
“I charge you all to return to your LGAs and draw up strategic plans for high-impact projects tailored to the needs of your communities and submit them within two weeks for consideration and approval.”
He also directed the Auditor-General to intensify oversight on the use of public funds by local councils to ensure accountability and transparency.
“The Auditor-General will be fully empowered to monitor closely the application of the resources that are being remitted to the various Local Government Councils,” he declared.
“The people of Rivers State must get value for every kobo provided.”
Underscoring the importance of discipline and vision in governance, Ibas described public service as a calling, not a mere job.
“Let us serve not for applause, but for legacy. Let us act not just for today’s convenience, but for tomorrow’s prosperity,” he said.
The Rivers administrator also pledged to rehabilitate the state secretariat complex, following his personal inspection which revealed dilapidated facilities, non-functional elevators, poor sanitation, and a lack of essential work tools.
“We cannot demand excellence from our workforce while neglecting the basics,” Ibas said.
“We are working towards phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat and other public infrastructure. God willing, I will ensure your work environment reflects the respect and dignity your service deserves.”
He assured civil servants of his commitment to improving their welfare and work culture, emphasizing that effective governance begins with enabling environments.
