By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Mr. Godfrey Dame, the Permanent Secretary in the Bureau said during the exercise in Sunkani, Ardo-Kola LGA that, the development was governor Agbu Kefas’ decision to pay off the arrears owed to local government workers across 16 LGAs of the state in 2015.
Dame however said beneficiaries were programmed to receive one month arrears each, while payment continues in subsequent months.
The Permanent Secretary also noted that the gesture also captures local government primary school Teachers and retirees.
He urged beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by supporting governor Kefas administration to succeed.
“Today’s exercise is in compliance with governor Agbu Kefas’ directive to pay off five months outstanding arrears owed to local government staff in 2015. This payment is to capture both primary school teachers and the retired staff across 16 LGAs of Taraba.
“At a moment, beneficiaries would be paid one month of the arrears each, while the remaining would be gradually process monthly”. The permanent secretary explained.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Taraba State chapter, Comrade Bajison Wakili Damuga, has commended Governor Agbu Kefas for approving the payment of five months’ salary arrears owed to local government workers in the state.
Damuga described the approval as a demonstration of compassionate leadership and a clear indication of the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers and strengthening grassroots administration.
He said the decision would bring relief to local government employees who had been affected by the outstanding arrears, adding that the gesture reflected government’s responsiveness to the concerns of civil servants.
The NULGE president urged local government workers across the state to reciprocate the gesture through dedication, discipline, punctuality and improved service delivery in their respective places of work.
He further called on political leaders, traditional institutions and residents of Taraba State to continue promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding for the overall progress of the state.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Usman Buba described the development as a relief to fix life challenges.
LHe Thanked the governor for the gesture and promised to mobilise support for his Re-election in 2027.
Earlier, the Ardo-Kola council chairman, Hon. Umar Badaware commended Governor Kefas for what he described as labour-friendly decision, urged local government staff to support the Kefas Re-election bid come 2027.
