Delta Govt Releases N800m To Offset LG Workers’ Salary Arrears BY CLETUS NGWODO

The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Delta State, has commended the state Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, for commencing the offset of payment of salary arrears, in lieu of which he approved the release of over N800million .

In a communiqué issued by the State Executive Council (SEC) of NULGE and signed by its Secretary, Comrade Peter Ene, the union applauded Governor Okowa for his pragmatic steps in ensuring the respect for workers’ right to their salaries and display of genuine concern for local government service and exhibition of good intentions for the welfare of workers

The communiqué, which was issued after the meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) of the union, expressed appreciation to the governor for the approval and release of more than N800million to facilitate the gradual payment of outstanding salaries accrued from 2015 to 2017

In the same vein, the union restated its renewed support for the Okowa administration as it reaffirmed its loyalty and commitment, adding that as an important stakeholder and sincere partner in the success of the present administration, it would do everything within its power to facilitate the success of the SMART Agenda for grassroots development and empowerment.

The union, while calling on the governor not to relent in his determination to clear all outstanding salary arrears as well as satisfy the desires of council workers in the state, despite dwindling revenue accruing to the state, urged him to see the project as a divine call and assignment that should be drive to its logical conclusion.

“In this direction, it is our humble plea that His Excellency, just as he has done, should continue to avail us some funds that would be devoted exclusively for the payment of salary areas. We are, however , not oblivious of the enormous sacrifices Your Excellency would be making in this regard, but we do hope that the smiles on the faces of local government workers would suffice to gladden the heart of His Excellency”

While expressing their confidence in the governor’s ability to clear all outstanding, NULGE said that by so doing, Senator Okowa would have engraved his name in gold as a Comrade Governor, who sacrificed for the overall interest of workers. “NULGE in Delta State, in collaboration with the National Secretariat would hold a solidarity rally and award presentation to appreciate His Excellency for offsetting these salaries,” the statement noted.