Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has said his administration has begun payment of ₦85,000 minimum wage for state workers, despite attempts by those he described as “enemies of the state” to deprive his administration of funds.
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Governor Fubara said his administration’s ability to implement the new wage policy has brought relief to civil servants in the state.
He said the greatest achievement in governance is the ability to put smiles on people’s faces by improving their welfare, noting that workers who previously earned between ₦70,000 and ₦80,000 now receive between ₦120,000 and ₦140,000 under the new wage structure.
Fubara reaffirmed his commitment to governing the state with the guidance of God, stating that “only God gives power.”
He also commended security agencies for their cooperation despite external pressures and urged them to maintain peace by continuing to act rightly.
In support of the Nigerian Legion, Governor Fubara announced a ₦40 million donation, doubling the previous year’s contribution of ₦20 million.
He expressed a personal connection to the event, revealing that as the son of a military officer, he understands the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and their families.
He said the state may never fully compensate for these losses but will continue to cushion their impact on the families of fallen heroes.
He, however, expressed concern over remarks made by the acting chairman of the Nigerian Legion in the state, about the lack of opportunity to access the 50 employment slots for children of fallen soldiers promised by the governor last year.
The governor clarified that employment in the civil service had been temporarily suspended due to the state’s focus on hiring professionals such as teachers and doctors.
He revealed that over 2,000 doctors have already been employed and plans are underway to finalize the recruitment of 1,000 teachers for primary and secondary education.
On scholarships, the governor stated that the government is sponsoring students in professional fields, including 150 indigenes at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and and an unspecified number at Wigwe University.
He encouraged patience among legionnaires, assuring them that the state would soon begin processing applications for scholarships
Before delivering his address, Governor Fubara called for a minute’s silence to honour the late Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, and the former chairman of the Nigerian Legion in Rivers State, Charles Hart.