The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, has lauded Governor Siminalayi Fubara for intervening to clear the eight-month salary backlog owed to newly employed staff of the Rivers State Hospital Management Board.
Speaking with journalists in Port Harcourt, Dr. Adaeze said the Governor demonstrated responsive and compassionate leadership by ordering the immediate release of the salaries once the situation was brought to his attention.
According to her, the Governor’s action reflects his administration’s broader commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery by prioritizing the welfare and morale of health workers across the state.
“The Governor listened, and he acted. This is leadership that understands the value of the health workforce and the critical services they provide. His intervention is deeply appreciated,” she said.
She explained that the affected workers, though unpaid for several months, remained dedicated to their roles in hospitals and primary health centres, providing essential services to patients across the state.
“These workers continued to show up daily and serve. Their commitment in the face of difficulty is commendable. The Governor recognized this sacrifice and responded in line with his ‘Health4All Rivers’ vision,” the Commissioner added.
Several beneficiaries who have now received payment expressed relief and gratitude. One of them noted that the months without salary were “emotionally and financially exhausting,” while another described the Governor’s intervention as “timely and life-saving.”
“It was extremely tough to work without pay. Many of us went into debt just to survive. But today, we are happy. The Governor remembered us,” one staff member said.
The Commissioner reiterated that the Fubara-led administration is committed to improving the health sector through enhanced staffing, training, better working conditions, and equitable access to quality healthcare services for residents.
She urged the newly paid workers to continue to deliver with professionalism and dedication, assuring that the ministry will keep advocating for the welfare and support of the state’s health workforce.
