From Olatunji Elisha, Lokoja
The Labour Union has charged Kogi state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to prioritize workers’ welfare and clear salary backlog.
The Kogi State chairman of United Labour Congress (ULC), Comrade Simeon Opaluwa made this call on recently in an exclusive interview with Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) in Lokoja, the state capital.
Comrade Opaluwa said civil servants are not happy due to inability of the state government to clear the outstanding salaries and pensions, adding that the ugly situation is having adverse effect on state economy.
”Kogi is a civil service state and any development without payment of salary among to nothing. The core responsibility of any government is to provide security and welfare for the people. I can categorically say Governor Yahaya Bello has failed woefully in area of welfare and he must address the issue of salary backlogs without further delay. ” He added.
The Labour leader admitted that the governor has eliminated many ghost workers from the payroll through the screening exercise.
He also commended Yahaya Bello for his startling performance in health, security, road construction as well as revival of cultural activities, especially in Igalaland.
Opaluwa therefore advised Governor Bello to sustain the gains in area of security so as to avoid the return of thuggery, hooliganism, kidnapping among others.
The NGIJ Media Tour of Kogi state continues as the investigators met state government officials led by Governor Yahaya who was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Folasade Ayoade.
Other officials at the meeting held in Government House are the Chief of Staff, Chief Edward Onoja, some key commissioners, Special Advisers and SSA
The officials used the opportunity to clarify some controversial issues including salary backlog, governance and screening exercise.
