Rivers
RSG Wants States To Fix Workers’ Pay
The Rivers State government has advocated for fiscal federalism on the fixing of minimum wage for public servants in the states of the federation.
The state Head of Service, Mrs. Esther Anucha made call last Thursday when members of the National Committee of Experts on Parameters for Wage fixing in the Federal Public Service visited her in her office in Port Harcourt.
Mrs. Auncha said the idea of a national minimum wage for workers was wrong, arguing that states should rather be granted autonomy to fix minimum wage for their workers according to their peculiarities and fiscal ability.
She also advised that agitations for increase in salaries and wages by individual Trade Unions, Associations and certain cadre of workers should be discouraged and discountenanced as this had caused disharmony among workers and could pose a threat to industrial peace and harmony between workers and the government.
The Head of Service urged the Committee to look into the wide gap between salaries of political office holders and public servants, stressing that the situation may generate disharmony among workers if not addressed.
Mrs. Anucha who commended the Terms of Reference of the Committee, however, noted that the peculiarities of the Niger Delta states and the welfare of retired public servants were not taken into consideration.
She expressed the belief that the findings of the committee would further consolidate the rapport and synergy between the Federal and State Public Services for the overall development of the nation and also foster industrial peace and harmony in the public service.
In his speech, the Chairman of the National Committee of Experts on Parameters for Wage Fixing in the Federal Public Service, Professor Vremudia Diejomaoh said the Committee was set up by the Acting President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to find solutions to the incessant disputes on salary adjustments between the government and public servants.
He said the Committee was charged with the responsibility of developing a wage policy that would adjust itself automatically based on agreed principles and parameters to enable workers benefit from regular changes in the economy, and so eliminate constant agitations on ad hoc basis, as well as ensure greater productivity and efficiency in the country, among other issues.
Concerned about the wide gap between the emoluments of political appointees and public servants, Professor Diemojoah said the committee would also critically examine the political, public, and judicial office holders’ salaries and allowances Amendment Act 2008 and its impact on pay relativities in the Federal Public Service and also advise on any other matter related to the terms of reference.
The chairman, thanked the Head of Service for the warm reception accorded them, saying, the nation wide four aims at making a comparative analysis of the experiences in the states and other stakeholders.
The Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII), His Majesty, King Prof. Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, Eze Gbakagbaka, has called on communication professionals to rise above routine narratives and become vanguards in rebuilding public trust in the face of Nigeria’s challenging economic realities.
The revered monarch made the charge while delivering the Chairman’s Opening Remarks at the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Rivers State Chapter, held in Port Harcourt, with the theme: “Refocusing Stakeholders’ Engagement and Public Trust in a Challenging Economy.”
The event, which drew leading figures in public communication, governance, and industry, witnessed presentations, keynote addresses and robust deliberations aimed at repositioning the PR profession to respond to national realities with innovation and integrity.
In his remarks, HM Eke commended the Rivers State Chapter of NIPR, led by Rev. Francis Asuk, for what he called its unwavering commitment to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and continuous dialogue on issues affecting the nation’s social and institutional fabric.
He noted that the theme of the conference could not have been more appropriate, considering the current national climate where public confidence in institutions is at an all-time low, and economic uncertainties have strained relationships between stakeholders and the state.
“We are living in a season when trust has become a scarce commodity. Citizens are asking tough questions, and institutions are struggling to maintain credibility. In such a time, the role of the Public Relations professional becomes even more crucial”, he said.
The Eze Gbakagbaka, who is the Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, noted that Public Relations practitioners must understand their strategic role as mediators between the people and the truth, adding that the tools of their trade: honest communication, transparency, and empathy, must be wielded with renewed purpose and patriotism.
“You are the bridge between the people and the truth; between perception and reality. Your work determines whether society believes, doubts, or hopes again. Let this conference remind us that trust is not demanded, it is earned”, he urged.
He emphasized that the restoration of trust in both public and private sectors requires consistent, deliberate, and sincere stakeholder engagement.
According to him, when communication is driven by integrity, not propaganda, society will gradually find its voice and confidence once again.
“With transparent communication and genuine engagement, even in a difficult economy, confidence can be restored”, the monarch said, urging the delegates to see themselves not just as professionals, but as nation-builders with a moral obligation to influence public perception positively.
The Evo apex King, who is also a Fellow of the Institute, called on participants to approach the discussions with open minds and patriotic intent, stressing that every contribution must be geared towards rebuilding national cohesion and institutional trust.
“With a deep sense of honour and responsibility”, he declared, “I, His Majesty, King Leslie Nyebuchi Eke, JP, Eze Gbakagbaka, Eze Oha Evo III of Evo Kingdom, Nyerisi Eli Woji (Eze Woji XII) and Chairman, Supreme Forum of Ikwerre Government Recognized Traditional Rulers, formally declare open the 2025 Annual Conference of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Rivers State Chapter to the glory of God and for the good of our society.”
At a post conference courtesy call at the instance of the Eze Gbakagbaka, the President of the Association, Dr. Ike Neliaku, described the Kung as an astute Fellow who is determined to add colour to the Institute regardless of any odds.
Also, the Council Member, Pastor Palunius Nsirim, who corroborated the President’s position, noted that His Majesty’s recognition was something valid given his contributions to the growth of the association.
“We value your presence with us. We will continue to benefit from your wise counsel. We won’t take your support for granted”, he said.
Climax of the visit was the decoration of Dr. Neliaku by the Evo apex King as a Honorary citizen of the Kingdom.
By: King Onunwor