The Yobe State government has said the decision to deduct from local government workers’ salary is a painful one which is better than sacking staff.
This was in reaction to the outcry against deduction in salaries by staff.
According to the State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Abdullahi Bego, who addressed the press in Damaturu, the current economic woes and global economic recession also contributed to the decision of the state government.
Bego, however, informed that the state government under Gov. Mai Mala Buni is ever willing to reverse to the status quo ante on the salary issue once the economic situation improves.
The commissioner, while calling for the understanding of the workers, however reminded them of the commitment of the state government to prompt payment of salaries in the state.
“As many of you are possibly aware, the Yobe State Government considers it a priority that workers’ salaries are paid promptly and timely. This is why here in Yobe State, salary payments are the first-line charge from government revenue receipts. This means that at the end of every month, the state government would first pay the salaries of workers before undertaking any – and all – other expenditures.”
He said the recent revenue shortfall arising from the global economic downturn have begun to affect everything from the capacity of the government to provide key social services to the people to the fare you pay at the motor park.