From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
The College of Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) and Treasurers to the Local Governments, (TLGs) in Delta State on Wednesday lamented the dearth of junior staff across the councils in the state.
The administrative heads of the councils made this known during a visit to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori in Osubi.
Their outcry is coming on the heels of the recent approval by the governor for the employment of over 2,000 teaching and non-teaching staff for Local Government Education Authority.
Nevertheless, president of the college of HPMs and TLGs, Austin Emaduku who led the group on the visit, appealed to the governor grant another approval for the recruitment junior staff to fill existing vacancies.
Besides, Emaduku pleased with the governor to consider the consolidation of salaries of HPMs and TLGs in the local government councils like Permanent Secretaries in the state civil service.
Receiving the visitors, Governor Oborevwori who underscored the importance of local government councils to the overall growth and development of the nation, said employment would be done when necessary.
Oborevwori appreciated them for their support before, during and after the elections, noting that his administration would continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
“I thank you for all your support at the grassroots. We will continue to do our best to advance our M.O.R.E Agenda for the development of our state.
“What is more important is for the state to move from this level to a higher level. We will look at the issues you raised and see how to resolve them,” he said.
On appointment of qualified persons from retirees of local government service, the governor said: we will continue to appoint people with experience and those who are qualified and strong enough to work will be appointed because we need their experience to add value to governance.’
On employment of junior staff, Governor Oborevwori said: “The state government will employ when necessary.
“For instance we recently approved employment of over 2,000 teaching and non-teaching staff for Local Government Education Authority.
“I count on your support always; support us because the local government is very key. We are all from a local government.
“If our local governments are doing well then our state will be well. Try as much as possible to go to work and serve the people very well because you are employed to serve.”