Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has said that his administration inherited over N359 billion in salary arrears as of the time he assumed office last year.
The governor said that the amount was the total sum owed to workers of the state for several years.
Governor Alia stated this at Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu LGA of the state during his thank you tour of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
The governor particularly berated the immediate past administration for its failure to pay workers’ salaries just as he debunked the claim by the immediate past governor, Samuel Ortom, that the federal government denied him funds to pay salaries.
Governor Alia, who promised that his administration will continue to prioritise payment of workers’ salary declared that henceforth, civil servants in the state will now receive their salary on 22 of every month.
Prior to this new announcement, workers have been receiving their salary on the 25th of every month.
Appreciating the people for the confidence they reposed in him to lead the State, the governor promised to revive the Igumale Cement factory as well as construct access roads in the area.
He said, “It is very important because if I want to travel with investors to the area, I should travel on a good road. Also, I will meet with the caretaker chairmen of the three (3) local government areas and work out the modalities of constructing a road linking the areas.
“I see that Okpoga is in darkness, I will it up with 5000kw electricity. I have come to reduce your pains and suffering. Continue to support my administration and be patient with Mr President, he has good policies for Nigerians.
In his speech, the former senatorial candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Daniel Onjeh, challenged the Governor to match actions with words by fulfilling his campaign promises to the people.
‘The opposition is asking what you have done for Benue South. We want to see things manifest. Do not be distracted by the blackmail of the opposition”, he said.
The acting chairman of the ruling All Progressive Congress, Benjamin Omakolo said that the governor inherited a dead state and commended him for his efforts at restoring the glory of the state.
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