By Jimitota Onoyume

Rivers State governor, Mr Nyesom Wike, has directed the State Local Government Service Commission to ensure the payment of outstanding salaries owed to local government workers in the state.

Swearing-in 19 Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Governor Wike said that before the release of imprest and security votes to the council chiefs, salaries must first be paid.

The governor said that his administration would monitor the pattern of expenditure of the local government areas to ensure that funds are deployed to areas that will promote the interest of the people.

He noted that the local government caretaker committee chairmen must get approval before they access their security votes and imprest.

“All salaries owed local government workers must be settled before security votes are released to the caretaker chairmen. We must uphold the welfare of workers at all levels,” the governor said.