Rivers
Phalga Administrator Lauds Ibas Over LG Service Commission Constitution …. As commission members hold interactive session with LG staff
The Sole Administrator of Port Harcourt Local Government Area (PHALGA), Barr. Samuel Kalagbor, has commended the Rivers State Government led by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ebok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd.) for appointing capable hands to pilot the affairs of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission.
According to a Press Release signed by Mrs. Carol Mathew, the Information Officer of PHALGA, Dr. Kalagbor made the commendation when members of the Commission led by the Chairman, Sir Isreal Amadi, visited the LG for an interactive session with the Staff.
Barr. Kalagbor expressed optimism that given the pedigree of members of the Commission, they will undoubtedly deliver on their mandate due to the wealth of knowledge they possess.
Describing them as worthy Statesmen, he said “they have been trusted, they have also been tested and they have also proven that they are worthy Statesmen who are experienced, who are competent, and who are trusted in various areas.”
He noted that it is the responsibility of the Commission to recruit competent staff for the LGAs and ensure their training, discipline and promotion for effective governance at the grassroots.
While stressing that the newly inaugurated members of the Commission has a mandate to re-engineer the workforce at various LGAs in the State, he expressed happiness over the fact that the Commission chose to begin with PHALGA as the Premier LGA.
He thanked the Council staff for the cooperation he has received from them since he assumed office, and assured members of the Commission on the cooperation of the staff.
In his speech the Chairman of the Commission, Sir Isreal Amadi, said the purpose of the interactive session was to have a heart-to-heart discussion with the staff to know their concerns with a view to addressing them within the confines of their mandate.
He reiterated the commitment of the Sole Administrator of the State to improve the workforce at the LGAs, a reason for which he has charged them to “professionalise the LGAs by utilizing the skills/professions of the staff to enhance development, drive reforms that will insolate the LGAs form politics and mediocrity, ensure merit-based recruitment, training and enforcing standards for safety service delivery.”
He added that henceforth trainings will be harmonized and beneficiaries must use the knowledge acquired to improve their work place.
During the interactive session, some staff shared their concerns on delays and modes of payment of pensions and gratuity, financial benefits after promotion, inconsistency in the dates monthly salaries are paid, etc.
Responding to the issues raised, the Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Luke Urang, said the delay in payment of pensions and gratuity began after the Local Government Pensions Board was merged with the Commission, and assured them that the newly inaugurated Commission will address the issue in due time.
He also pleaded for time that all the concerns raised will be addressed in the shortest possible time.
In his vote of thanks, the Head, Local Government Administration (HLGA), Comr. Clifford Paul, thanked the Commission’s Chaiman for his admonition and assured him that the Council’s staff will abide by the ethics of the Commission and wished them success in their tenure.
The Chairman of the Commission was accompanied by six Commissioners who have been designated specific LGAs to oversee.
The interactive session is expected to be held in all the LGAs in the State.
By: John Bibor