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Rivers begins fresh biometric verification to eliminate ghost workers across LGAs.
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Officials say exercise ensures transparency despite resistance from vested interests.
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Emuoha chairman promises security and fair process for all legitimate workers.
The Rivers State Government has begun a new round of biometric verification for workers across all 23 local government areas following the exit of former Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ibas had previously conducted a similar audit aimed at identifying and removing ghost workers, an exercise he said saved the state ₦5 billion.
However, questions persisted over whether the verification for local government workers was fully completed before his departure on September 18, 2025, shortly after the lifting of emergency rule imposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The latest verification was officially launched in Emuoha Local Government Area by the Chairman of the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission, Israel Amadi. He said the renewed exercise was necessary to clean up the system and establish accurate staffing records across the 23 LGAs.
Ahead of the flag-off, Amadi and the Chairman of Emuoha LGA, Dr Chidi Lloyd, toured several completed and ongoing projects within the council secretariat. Amadi praised the infrastructural development he observed, describing Dr Lloyd’s work as a reflection of transparent and accountable leadership.
He said, “We went to Ahoada West, we saw the structures; we were impressed. I think what is here will even beat Ahoada West. So congratulations to you.”
Amadi urged Lloyd to remain focused despite criticisms, explaining that reforms capable of sanitising the system often attract resistance from those benefitting from irregularities.
He warned that the commission would no longer tolerate the insertion of unapproved staff from other agencies into LGA payrolls and cautioned workers engaging in truancy or holding multiple employments. He said, “So for us as a commission, we will not tolerate that.
When you’re following due process, you must step on people’s toes. They will say anything to spoil your name, but follow due process. Let us do something good. At least for once, let us do it well so others will emulate.”
Lloyd assured that adequate security arrangements had been made to protect commission officials and legitimate workers during the verification period. He stressed that the exercise was not designed to witch-hunt anyone but to strengthen order, transparency, and proper personnel management across the local government structure.
He added that all genuine employees would be allowed to present their documents, saying the ultimate goal is to sanitise the payroll and restore integrity to the system.
