Some political appointees in Niger State have begun grumbling over the non-payment of their March salaries by the state government.
DAILY NIGERIAN gathered that the affected appointees include coordinators, senior special assistants, and special assistants.
It was also gathered that the state civil servants received their March salaries late.
Some of the appointees who spoke to DAILY NIGERIAN under the condition of anonymity expressed their disappointment, lamenting that despite the ongoing Ramadan fast, the government didn’t find it necessary to pay their salaries.
“We are 21 days into the month of Ramadan and 12 days into the month of April, and yet we haven’t been paid. How do they expect us to survive? ” one of the appointees asked.
Another appointee accused the state commissioner for finance, Usman Mohammed, of disregarding the governor’s directive and making selective payments.
The source also said the delay and difficulty in making salary payments may not be unconnected to the high debt profile of the state.
“The governor gave a marching order to the commissioner for finance to pay all outstanding salaries, but he is yet to do so. Instead, what he did was to pay a few senior appointees and ignore us.
“But I’m not too surprised because the state is in a serious financial mess. I’m sure you saw the recent debt figures of the state released by the debt management office, I just pity the incoming administration, honestly,” the source added.
Another appointee, who is a special assistant to the governor, wondered if the government was already tired of paying them.
“I don’t know if they are tired of us already. But I’m happy the administration is winding down.”
When contacted, the state commissioner for finance, Usman Mohammed, neither confirmed nor denied the allegations.
He said: “The political appointees should tell you why they haven’t been paid, but if you want further details, come to my office in Minna.”
