By Erewunmi Peace

Civil servants and pensioners in Rivers State have expressed deep frustration over the ongoing audit and verification process ordered by the Emergency Administration led by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), citing delays in the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities.

The verification exercise, which began weeks ago, was expected to fast-track payments and correct anomalies in the payroll system. However, instead of relief, it has sparked widespread outrage among public sector workers and retirees who say they are yet to receive their entitlements despite the state receiving its share of federal allocations.

“We were told to be patient during the audit, but weeks have passed, and we still haven’t been paid. Some of us depend solely on our pensions to survive,” a retired civil servant told Info Daily.

According to Punch Newspaper, many affected workers have voiced concerns over the delay, accusing the state’s sole administration of failing to deliver on its promise during the last Workers’ Day speech, where prompt payments were assured following the audit’s conclusion.

Similarly, The Port City News reported that several pensioners have gone months without receiving their gratuities or death benefits, with some describing the situation as “an uphill task” that is pushing retirees into severe hardship.

“This is not just an administrative failure—it’s a humanitarian issue,” said a union leader in the Ministry of Works.

The administration, however, insists that the audit is necessary to sanitize the civil service and eliminate ghost workers, pledging that payments will commence as soon as the process is completed.

The emergency administration, appointed amid political tension in the state, has come under increasing pressure to stabilize public finances and restore worker confidence. While transparency efforts like audits are commendable, the lack of timely communication and delayed disbursements have only fueled more suspicion and unrest.

As at press time, no specific payment date has been announced by the Rivers State Government.