GOVERNMENT TO CLEAR BACKLOG OF SALARY ARREARS - ABOUNU

By Ede Ogaba Ede Civil servants in Benue state shall soon smile as arrangements to pay them their outstanding salary arrears are being worked out with the government set to obtain a bond for that purpose.

Speaking at different times in Ogbadibo, Okpokwu and Ado local government areas during the course of his consultative meeting with APC stakeholders, Engr Abounu disclosed that very soon, the challenge in salary payment to civil servants in the state will become a thing of the past.
He explained that following its meticulous screening exercise, the State of Emergency Committee on Salary Issues, which he heads, has at today, pruned down the outrageous monthly salary wage bill of N7.8bn to N4.8b; a situation which would enable the State Government to pay regularly its workers their monthly salary, and retirees their monthly pension.

Engr Abounu told the excited party men that when the government begins implementing the report of his committee, the issue of irregular payment of workers’ salary will come to an end.

The deputy governor who told the people that he was going round Benue South senatorial district, as leader of the party to meet with members and listen to their views on the government, the party, and what they feel should be done to bring more dividends of democracy to the people, called for party unity and understanding from members.

The major complaint of members in the three local government areas was the irregular payment of salaries to workers. It was their consensus that if the government is able to address the salary challenge, then, they have nothing to fear as the government is doing extremely well in other areas of governance.

They commended the government for enacting the anti-open grazing law and for restoring peace and calm to a state fractured by ceaseless killing of unarmed farmers by Fulani herdsmen and the destruction of their farms and other properties.

The council chairmen, major stakeholders, youth and women groups all re-echoed their support for
the re-election of Governor Samuel Ortom and his deputy, Engr Benson Abounu.

Similarly, the state Party chairman, Comrade Abba Yaro reiterated the party support for the candidature of Governor Ortom and Engr Abounu but cautioned party members not to divide the party with unauthorized zoning of party positions, warning that the party is yet to carry out any zoning.