Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has given an ultimatum to local government area chairmen in the state to pay local government workers their salaries and other privileges before 2pm on Monday (today) or resign.
The governor gave the order on Sunday during a Christmas party organised by the state government for the elderly, widows and widowers.
The event was held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.
Addressing the over 5,000 audience at the party, Governor Nwifuru frowned at a situation where most LGAs have failed to pay their staff salaries for November and December, describing the development as unacceptable.
He said: “I heard and I believe it is the truth that the local government staff have not received their November and December salaries.
“But I have told the Principal Secretary to the Governor and all the council chairmen and coordinators that if by 2 O’clock tomorrow (today) and all the staff of local government areas, including pensioners, do not receive their money, all of them should resign.
“What it means is that they must be in the bank as early as 7 O’clock in the morning with the payment schedules for their November and December salaries, including Christmas bonuses.
“We cannot tolerate any lackadaisical attitude.
“If you are for us, we will be for you.”
Nwifuru apologised to local government workers over the development, acknowledging that as the governor, he has the mandate to supervise the local government system in the state.
He, however, emphasised that he was not in custody of local government area funds.
He said: “I am not in charge of local government funds, but I am the one in charge of supervising the administration of local government areas.
“So, when the local government chairmen are not doing what they are supposed to be doing, it is my right to discuss with them and advise them when necessary.”
Nwifuru further absolved the present council chairmen of blame over the development, blaming it on inherited loads, which they needed to lighten before they could stand firm.
The governor assured that the problem would soon be over, at the latest between June and July next year.
Paying tribute to the elders, the governor commended their past sacrifices in their various endeavours, which he said has helped to bring the state to its present state of development.
He solicited their continued prayers and blessings for the state for a more fruitful future.
He added: “We are grateful that you are strong, we are grateful that you have faith, we are grateful that you believe in God.
“Your believing in God brought us to where we are today, and that’s the reason you are still standing strong.
“We are standing strong because you are standing strong behind us.
“I wish to remind you that we are not yet fully matured as to do without your prayers, your understanding and forgiveness.
“And that’s the only thing I am here to beg of you: to pray for us, forgive us for all our shortcomings and pray for us always.”
The celebrants went home with undisclosed sums of money, food items and clothing materials among other benefits.
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