Kwara State Government to clear teachers’ salary arrears

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has assured workers of Tertiary Institutions in the state of the payment of the backlog of their salaries as loan has been secured to offset the backlog of the salaries.

The governor who said this on a radio programme tagged ‘The Governor Explains’, stressed that the delay in salary payment in recent times was not intentional, but due to the current economic crunch arising from the dwindling allocation to the state and local governments across the federation.

He also explained that plan was afoot in ensuring that future salaries were paid when due without any delay.

Dr Ahmed also denied the allegation of being discriminatory against local government workers over their salary payment, stressing that he was disturbed by the issue as the governor.

He attributed their plight to the current economic crunch, suggesting that the local government areas should as a matter of urgency embark on screening exercise to ascertain facts about their staff strength.

On the repayment of the proposed N20billion bond by the state government, the governor explained that the state government was capable of servicing the bond without stress, adding that the bonds would be used for certain infrastructure projects.

On the clamour for the abolition of Joint Account between State and Local governments by some people, the governor explained that the issue was a constitutional matter and that if anyone wanted the issue of the Joint Account to be repealed from the constitution, the issue should be taken to the National Assembly for proper action.

The governor also said the administration will continue to put necessary infrastructure in place to attract additional investors and create employment opportunity for the youths of the state.

According to him, the growing population of the state must be supported with required infrastructure in order to grow the economy.