CLARIFICATION ON PAYMENT OF TWO MONTHS SALARY FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT STAFF
It could be recalled that His Excellency the Executive Governor Of Benue State announced the receipt of N12.7 Billion Benue share in the Paris and London Club funds.It was also announced that 45% of the funds would be made available to the Local Government, which has translated into N5.6 Billion.
This update has become necessary in view of the promise made by the Benue State Government to pay two months salaries of Civil servants, owing to the fact that the funds derived from Paris Club (N5.6Billion) as allocated to local government cannot upset the salaries of primary School and Local Government Staff.
The amount due for Primary School sector alone is over N1.8 Billion, whereas, the Local Government needs over 1.6 Billion for it sub sector, taking this figures to over N 3.4 Billion to clear one month salary of Local Government staff.
Looking at the N5.6 Billion from Paris Club allocated to the Local Government, it is glaring that His Excellency is ready to take the bull by the horn with the promise of two months salary. By the arithemetics, N5.6 Billion cannot pay the salaries of Local Government Staff, including pensions, since what is needed to pay the salaries for two months including pensions is way over N7 Billion and not N5.6 Billion.
In keeping to his promise, His Excellency is considering taking over-draft to make up the needed sum should the Federal Allocation for the month of December is delayed beyond Monday 19th December.
This clarification has become pertinent to clear the misgivings that N5.6 Billion made available from the Paris and London Club funds to the Local Government can pay two months salaries and pensions of Local Government Staff and to absolve the government of unnecessary and unwholesome controversy and spread of misinformation against its good will.
Signed:
Terungwa Nteez Nunde
Media Assistant to Hon. Titus Zam