The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Ayaode Folashade has appealed to the state Judiciary workers to present themselves for data capturing as directed by the government or risk not being paid.
Dr. Ayaode made the remark on Thursday in her office in Lokoja while briefing journalists on the progress made by so far by the “Table Payment Committee” that was constituted by Governor Bello some months ago.
She said if the number one citizen of the state in the person of Governor Yahaya Bello could subject himself to data capturing in order to ensure transparency in payment, why shouldn’t the judiciary workers who interpret the law, who are on the payroll of the government show good example by submitting themselves to be captured?
According to the SSG, the judiciary workers have nothing to be scared of, as the effort is simply to make known the real workers in the third arm of the government and to also afford the state government the opportunity to have a dependable data that would be of great benefit to the advancement of Kogi State.
Speaking further, Dr. Ayoade added that the state government through the table payment exercise was able to discover over four hundred (400) unclaimed cheques that has since helped increased the salary payment of local government workers.
The SSG appealed to the judiciary workers to sheathe their swords and allow peace to rein by yielding and complying with the laid down procedures for the good of the state.
“The New Direction Government under the leadership of Governor Yahaya Bello is interested in leaving a better Kogi State. The screening was an eye opener. We inherited a lot of backlog of salaries. They were a lot of diaspora workers, we were privileged to call one who didn’t show up during the exercise and it will amaze you to know what the woman told us; she said she was in Amambra doing her business and not a Kogi worker.
“Initially Kogi Judiciary workers were not meant to be part of the screening, but revelations started unfolding where you have some political office holders who are on the payroll of the government. One of the key objectives of this effort is simply to know the total number of civil servants being paid at finger tip.”
Dr. Ayaode however expressed appreciation to the organised labour for their interest in the welfare of the workers, assuring that civil servants would soon sing a new song as efforts were on to ensure all arrears were cleared when the bailout funds come.
The SSG, while enjoining the people of Kogi State to support the reelection bid of Governor Yahaya Bello in November this year, described the Governor as a sincere and detribalised leader whose only interest is the rapid transformation of the state.
“A football match is not concluded until their is a second half, this is first half. Give your support to Governor Bello to enable him consolidate and build a formidable and virile Kogi State that the future generation will be proud of. He never knew me from Adam, but he appointed me based on recommendations. That is how humane the Governor is,” she concluded.
Credit: InsideStory
