The Plateau State Government has restated its commitment to the welfare of workers in the state. This was contained in a statement signed by the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Dan Manjang.
According to the statement the Lalong-led administration has maintained workers welfare as priority, stressing that since the advent of the administration, salaries have been promptly paid.
According to Mr Manjang, contrary to rumor, speculations and propaganda, the Plateau State Government had already commenced the implementation of the #30, 000 minimum wage to State Civil Servants in compliance with the law implemented by the Federal Government since October of 2020.
According to him, it was left for Local Government Staff to approach their employers (Local Government Councils) to seek redress not direct their frustrations at the State Government. He expressed concern that for over a month, employees of Local Governments in Plateau State have embarked on protests, barricading the entrance of the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat, blocking roads and causing untold hardship to the public as well as harassing Government officials by calling them names, threatening them and their families.
He pointed out that if they had gone to their respective Local Government Councils to protest or embark on labour actions such as withdrawing their services, many would have understood or even sympathised with them. But their action, he maintained which is more political than a fight for their rights has become repulsive and devoid of public sympathy. According to Mr Manjang, Nobody will stop them if they have political ambitions and want to pursue it. However, he urged them to embrace partisan politics rather than hide under minimum wage struggle only to disrupt the stability of the State.
Mr Manjang went on to state the following;
a. That the administration of Governor Simon Bako Lalong recognises that there are three tiers of Government in Nigeria, in this case, Local, State and Federal. The Governor is irrevocably committed to ensuring the that these tiers of Government particularly the Local Government enjoy their financial independence and other provisions of the autonomy.
b. That as far as the employment, discipline, promotion and payment of salaries and emoluments of Local Governments is concerned, the onus rests squarely on the shoulders of Chairmen and Management Committee Chairmen of the various Local Governments while the Governor has the responsibility of ensuring that State Civil Servants are paid as and when due. He has never failed!
C. That the Governor has done everything possible as a father to wade into the lingering crisis but the Local Government Staff have continued to stifle this effort, even when their Union officials have advised them to give them a chance to negotiate the matter. They rather prefer to play to the gallery and misinform the gullible while allowing clandestine interests to use them for pecuniary motives.
d. In view of the above, the Plateau State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, KSGG hereby advises Local employees to redirect their grouse to the right channel which is the Local Government Councils. It is their sole responsibility to negotiate and implement not only the minimum wage, but other allowances they wish to offer them. This is moreso, that the allocation of Local Government is paid directly into the accounts of the Local Governments by the Federal Government and not warehoused with the State Government.
e. That the unwarranted attacks, misinformation and mischief of the Local Government employees aimed at tarnishing the good name of His Excellency, the amiable worker-friendly Governor Rt. Hon. (Dr) Simon Bako Lalong, a.k.a GOVERNOR ALERT, is unnecessary and a great act of treachery and ingratitude for all he has done to improve their conditions. Despite that, he has greatest respect for the workers which he has consistently demonstrated since he came into office and is committed to sustaining it.
f. That the State Government appeals again to the Local Government employees to show maturity and understanding by interfacing with their employers (Local Government Councils) as henceforth, no disruption of public peace or Government activities will be tolerated.
As at the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the State EXCO of Union of Local Government Employees.
Nigeria Star News 