Gov.Yahaya Bello addressing newsmen
By Joseph Edegbo:
Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State, North Central Nigeria has said that arrangements have been concluded to clear all backlog of salaries owed Civil servants.
Speaking with newsmen in Kaduna on Friday, shortly after the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Governor Yahaya Bello maintained that his administration did not incur any debt through the non-payment of salaries to workers since he came on board as the Governor.
According to him, the 3 – 4 months outstanding salaries was incurred by the immediate past Administration which was passed to his’.
Governor Yahaya Bello, who said he is committed to removing ghost workers from the State’s civil service reemphasised that he has been able to pay all the salaries due to workers.
The Governor disclosed that the previous Administration applied for N80.5 billion from the Federal Government and that President Muhammadu Buhari approved N50. 8 billion out of the money, but that due to his prudence, decided to withdraw only N20 billion.
He said the utilisation of the 20 billion was published in national dailies including how it was shared with the local governments adding that he is expecting the remaining N30.8 billion to clear the arrears
“What is owed by the previous Administration is exactly what is owed now. Under my watch, I m not owing a single dine but inherited liability. As soon as we draw that we shall clear all the arrears,” he stated, promising that before December, owing of salaries would be a thing of the past.
The Governor assured the people of Kogi State that even without accessing the N30.8 billion that he would raise money and clear the remaining arrears.
Governor Bello who restated his Commitment to ensuring equity in governance, said he has laid a solid foundation for the State whose future had not been visioned since its creation 28 years ago.
He said his Administration has come out with a blue print which was down loaded in the budget and being implemented.
Governor told newsmen that it was gratifying to note that Kogi was rated as the most secured State in the country, a feat which should be acknowledged by all and sundry.
