By Bayo Oyewale, Lokoja
Worried by the crisis trailing the Kogi State Civil Service Staff Audit exercise, the state House of Assembly has summoned some key government officials to appear and explain the lingering screening exercise of workers between 2016 till date.
This followed the non-payment of salaries to workers, while several pensioners’ fate is yet to be determined as they had neither been paid gratuity or monthly pension.
It was learnt that the governor had directed all affected workers both cleared and uncleaned with genuine cases to return to their various offices. Six months after the close of the one-year exercise, the plight of both workers and pensioners have become worrisome.
Prior to the present invitation, the House had invited the Acting Head of Service, State Accountant General, Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board and the Commissioner for Finance to the Assembly on 1st August 2017 before it was invaded by suspected thugs.
While moving the motion, Ahmed Mohammed (APC Ankpa 1) appealed to the House to approve 24th August, 2017 for the above officials to appear before the House, noting that it is long overdue.
Seconding the motion, Bello Hassan Abdullahi (APC Ajaokuta) maintained that it was pertinent for the course of good administration of the state.
In his ruling, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Prince Mathew Kolawole while sustaining the motion, drew the attention of the lawmakers to a publication credited to an online media that the House had stopped the invitation of government officials. According to him, such publication is mischievous and lacks credibility.
In another development, the Kogi State House of Assembly has directed the state Ministry of Health to investigate the cause of the disease outbreak in Yagba West Local Government Area of the state to prevent further spread.
This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the member representing Yagba West Constituency, Oluwatoyin Lawal.
Lawal said it was worrisome that the exact cause of the disease was yet to be ascertained.
Seconding the motion, Friday Ali (PDP Ofu Constituency) said the state government needs to act decisively to stop the spread of the disease.
The Speaker, Prince Kolawole, in his ruling urged the state government to immediately post newly recruited health personnel’s to the Isanlu Esa Cottage Hospital.
He also directed the House Committee on Health to carryout immediate investigation into the remote and immediate cause of the strange ailment.
