By Abdullahi Shuaibu, Lafia.
Nasarawa state government has said that it would not borrow funds, only to pay salaries to workers in view of its negative impact on the economy of the state. According to a resolution which was arrived during an emergency expanded executive council meeting to review the on-going strike embarked by the organised labour which held at government house Lafia Friday also said,it will not be distracted from it commitments to embark on meaningful projects. The statement which was issued to the media by the chairman Nasarawa state civil service commission (CSC) Alhaji Musa Dangana, the council maintained that the earlier position of the government to invoke the No- work- no pay rule,adding that, salaries for the month of June,2021,is to be paid based on the attendance registers placed at various ministries, departments and Agencies ( MDAs) The government expressed concern on misleading information,as contained in press releases issued by the labour Union officials, with intent to cause disaffection between government and the law-abiding workers in the state.Council therefore, described as false,claims that the state government received#4.5billion monthly from the federation account. It noted with dismay, the position of the labour Unions, that government use available resources to implement promotions and pay salaries only rather than executing viable projects that have direct bearing on the lives of the citezens. The statement further decried the continuous picketing of offices and harassment of workers from gaining access to their offices by the officials of labour Unions, illegal removal of attendance registers in MDAs as well as intimidations by Union officials on members of NULGE for failing to join the ill- conceived strike action. While calling on MDAs to submit valid attendance registers for the month of June,2021, to the office of the Head of civil service through their permanent secretaries or Chief Executive Officers as the statement enjoined willing workers to resume their duties.The government further stated that essential services such as health care and water supply will be rendered to the public., warning that any form of interference will not be tolerated. It enjoined security agencies to continue to protect and safeguard all government establishments. According to the statement, government is opened to the removal of the clause in dispute,as contained in the agreement earlier presented, but that it will not hesitate to revert to the present salary template on the event of” substantial shortfall” from the federation account allocation.” As a demonstration of Goodwill and quest for harmonious government- labour relations for the benefit of our people, the Administration’s doors are open for continuous negotiations.”it added. The statement said government regreted the hardship and inconveniences caused to the people of the state,as a result of the strike action.
Nasarawa Reporters 