July 21, (THEWILL) – The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hycinth Alia of Benue State, Tersoo Kula, has raised the alarm about the involvement of civil servants in salary padding in the state.
Kula, while playing host to members of the Correspondents Chapel of the Benue Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in Makurdi, on Friday, said a preliminary audit investigation by the Alia administration shows that civil servants are deeply involved in financial fraud.
According to him, there were indications of one staff drawing monthly salary from the state, SUBEB and Local Government Council treasuries over the years and such staff will be handed over to antigraft bodies for prosecution after the conclusion of the exercise.
He pointed out that the delay in the payment of salaries to staff in some government agencies was to ensure that only genuine staff are paid their entitlements, and appealed to affected people to show understanding.
“Governor Alia is a reformist and is thinking away from the usual practice of stealing from government coffers. Some politicians may not like his approach to reforms but will get used to it with time.
“As you can see, the Benue State House of Assembly complex is undergoing a complete renovation to create comfort. Before now, legislators were beaten by rain.
“The last time pensioners were paid was in 2021, but the Alia administration has paid two months’ arrears to them.”
Kula stated that part of the security management in the State will be left into the hands of traditional rulers since they know residents and subjects that are of doubtful character. He explained that such actions will enhance peace, as outsiders coming to cause mischief will easily be identified by the natives.
He commended members of the chapel for identifying with the government of Fr Alia and sued for synergy to move the state forward, promising to fight for an enabling environment for them to practice their profession in the State.
Earlier, the chapel Chairman, Emmanuel Antswen, congratulated Governor Alia for his victory at the polls and inauguration.
He pledged the cooperation of the chapel in promoting government policies and programmes. He also called for the provision of incentives for them to thrive for the good of the State and society.
Other elders of the chapel, Philip Dzeremo, Kajo Martins and Hope Abba Emmanuel, all called for walking synergy between the government and the media.
