GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue has said that his administration inherited over N359 billion salary arrears of several years from his predecessor.
The governor stated this at Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu LGA on Monday, during a thank you tour of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo federal constituency.
He alleged that previous administrations in the state lied to the people that the federal government denied them funds to pay salaries.
The governor promised that his administration would continue to prioritise the payment of workers’ salaries.
“Henceforth, civil servants in the State will be paid from 22nd of every month,” he said.
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Alia, however, did not say how and when or if he will pay the salary arrears as he had promised to do during the 2023 campaigns.
He thanked the people for the confidence reposed in him to lead the state and promised to revive the Igumale Cement factory as well as construct access roads in the area.
“I see that Okpoga is in darkness, I will light it up with 5,000 kw electricity. I have come to reduce your pains and suffering,” he said.
He urged them to continue to support his administration and be patient with President Bola Tinubu, as he has good policies for Nigerians.
Earlier, Daniel Onjeh, a defeated Senatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 elections, urged the governor to match words with action by fulfilling his campaign promises to the people.
Onjeh said the opposition parties were mocking the people that he has abandoned them in terms of infrastructures and appointments.
“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.
Mr Benjamin Omakolo, the APC Acting Chairman, while receiving 500 persons who defected from the opposition parties to the APC at the event, promised them equal treatment. (NAN)
