Local Government workers in Rivers State have suspended their planned strike following the intervention of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The industrial action, which was scheduled to begin at midnight on Tuesday, stemmed from a dispute in Emohua Local Government Area. Tensions had escalated after the re-elected Council Chairman, Chidi Lloyd, allegedly refused to pay certain staff, insisting they had not undergone proper verification. The disagreement led to protests along the Emohua axis of the East–West Road.

To prevent further unrest, Governor Fubara convened a high-level closed-door meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt. The meeting brought together representatives of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), the Local Government Service Commission, and Emohua LGA Chairman, Chidi Lloyd.

Although the detailed resolutions were not immediately disclosed, the discussions ended in an agreement that led to the suspension of the strike.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Rivers State NULGE President, Clifford Paul, announced the decision to call off the strike:

“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.”

Israel Amadi, Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, described the outcome as productive and praised the Governor’s timely intervention.

Emohua Chairman Chidi Lloyd also commended Fubara for his transparent approach, noting, “It is not personal. We just want transparency in the system, and the Governor has made that clear.”

The suspension of the strike is expected to restore calm across Rivers State LGAs, as workers return to duty while awaiting full implementation of the Governor’s directives.