Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has intervened in the lingering crisis between workers of Emohua Local Government and the council chairman, Hon. Chidi Julius Lloyd, over the authenticity of the local government workforce and the mass sack of employees.
The dispute, which began during Lloyd’s first term as chairman, resurfaced shortly after his controversial re-election on August 30, 2025, under the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) led by Dr. Michael Odey. Barely a month into his new tenure, Lloyd dismissed over 300 workers, describing them as “ghost workers” and “illegal staff.”
The mass sack sparked protests on September 29, 2025, when aggrieved workers blocked the busy Emohua section of the East–West Road, demanding payment of their August salaries. The demonstration caused hours-long traffic gridlock, leaving commuters stranded.
Following the unrest, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Dr. Clifford Paul, directed all 23 local government branches in the state to begin an indefinite strike on September 30. However, the action was suspended after Governor Fubara convened an emergency meeting involving NULGE leadership, the Local Government Service Commission, and Chairman Chidi Lloyd.
Although details of the meeting were not made public, reports said that an understanding was reached. Speaking to journalists afterward, NULGE State President Dr. Clifford Paul confirmed the suspension of the strike, citing the governor’s assurances.
“We have resolved. His Excellency has directed that this matter will be handled harmoniously. On behalf of the state administrative council of NULGE, I am calling on all branch chairmen and officers to end the strike,” he said.
Similarly, the chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Israel Amadi, described the meeting as “fruitful,” expressing confidence that the resolutions would be implemented.
Emuoha Council Chairman, Hon. Chidi Lloyd, commended Governor Fubara’s transparent approach, saying, “It is not personal. We just want transparency in the system, and the governor has made that clear.”
When National Point visited the council secretariat, only a handful of workers were seen on duty, while security operatives manned the premises. A staff member who spoke anonymously said the situation had eased following the governor’s intervention.
“The matter has been resolved, and we are expecting our salaries any moment from now,” the worker said.
