By Bukola Adama
The Kwara State Governor Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed has reiterated its commitment to work hand in hand with all local government councils in the state to ensure that all outstanding salaries are paid as well as the current salaries paid as at when due.
The Governor made this known yesterday when speaking with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hajia Habibat Katibi , ex- local government political office holders, representatives of National union of Local Government (NULGE) employees and council chairmen, at the Government House, Ilorin.
The Governor, who was briefed on how the N4billion loan was disbursed for its intended purpose, noted that the biggest challenge was the drop in the federal allocation which made payment of full salaries difficult at the local government level.
According to him, the financial challenge at the councils formed the basis for the loan in order to offset salaries of teachers at the basic level, local government workers and pensioners, ex-political office holders as well as provide funds for the current council leaderships to be on proper footing.
“The way and manner which money is being disbursed is clearly outlined and all those who are entitled by the law should be carried along,” the governor explained.
He assured that the government is in the process of working towards assessing other funds.
“The state would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that outstanding arrears are paid and this will be within the confines of the law, “Ahmed said.
He however urged the council chairmen to shore up their Internally Generated Revenue to help carry out their responsibilities adding that they should be prudent with their scarce resources.
Earlier the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry explained that the N4 billion loan has been properly disbursed while expressing gratitude to the governor for steps taken to ensure the payments of outstanding salaries of LGs workers
