From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has said he inherited over N359 billion being several years of salary arrears owed workers.
He made this disclosure at Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area during his thank you tour of Enone consisting of Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.
The governor, who slammed the previous administration for its failure to pay workers’ salaries, also accused it of lying to the people that the federal government denied them funds to pay salaries.
Alia promised that his administration will continue to prioritize the payment of workers salary, announcing that henceforth, civil servants in the State will be paid from 22nd of every month instead of 25th.
He thanked the people of Enone for the confidence they reposed in him to lead the State with a promise to revive the Igumale Cement factory as well as construct an access road in the area.
“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 LGAs to work out the modalities of constructing a road linking the areas.
“I see that Okpoga is in darkness, I will light it up with 5000kw of 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.
Earlier, a former Senatorial candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Daniel Onjeh urged the Governor to match actions with words in fulfilling campaign promises to the people.
Onjeh said the opposition parties are mocking the people that he (Governor) has abandoned them in terms of infrastructure 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.
APC acting chairman Benjamin Omakolo said the governor inherited a dead state and is working hard to bring it back to life and appealed to the people to continue to support him to deliver dividends to them.
Over 500 persons defected from the opposition parties to the APC at the event.