Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State has revealed that the state government is in debt of about N11 billion in regards to salary arrears owed to its workers. He made this known during a town hall meeting organized by the Plateau Radio Television Corporation in Jos on Monday.
The meeting was themed “Unpacking the New Vision” and was part of activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day in the state. Governor Muftwang revealed that out of a N2.9 billion wage bill for February, only N900 million was paid. He added that the state is currently owing salaries up to May, to the tune of about N11 billion, while the coffers of Plateau state contain just N1.1 billion. According to him, the government is starting in a difficult way.
He mentioned that he inherited several challenges from the past administration, which included a strike by the civil service that he has since resolved. Governor Muftwang assured residents that the civil service will be re-equipped, re-invigorated, and modernized to perform its duties as the engine room of the state.
Furthermore, he explained that the recent suspension of democratic structures in the state’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) was carried out in good faith, following a recommendation by the Plateau State House of Assembly. He also mentioned that the recruitment exercise into the state civil service, which was conducted by his predecessor from October 1, 2022, till date, has been suspended pending an investigation. The governor stated that this step would determine whether the exercise was conducted in line with due process, with those properly recruited allowed to return to their jobs at the end of the investigation.
Governor Muftwang dismissed rumours that he had dissolved the newly established traditional chiefdoms in the state, calling it fake news. He assured the public that the government would await advice from the Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Traditional Rulers, and the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before any action is taken regarding such matters.
In conclusion, Governor Muftwang stated that his administration is currently receiving reports from government agencies to form the basis for critical decisions. He urged the incoming members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, who will be inaugurated today, to be selfless in the discharge of their duties. He also reminded them that many of the state laws are archaic and require urgent reviewing.
NAN reported this news.
