Yola-North LG: Matters arising

The issue at stake precipitated this write-up as a concerned citizen of the LG who has a stake in the way it is being run. I am neither holding brief for the present Head of Service nor the former chairman of the council. Both men are trading accusation and counter-accusation and the people are left […]

The issue at stake precipitated this write-up as a concerned citizen of the LG who has a stake in the way it is being run. I am neither holding brief for the present Head of Service nor the former chairman of the council. Both men are trading accusation and counter-accusation and the people are left guessing who is to blame for the non payment of the two month salaries since 2010.

The chairman of the LG has so far emphatically said that he left behind the two months salaries in the account of the LG when his tenure expired about one year ago. On his part, the Head of Service was reported to have said that the former chairman did not leave any amount in the name of the two

months.

Now the question is: who is telling the truth? Whatever the case, the health workers are owing the LG two months salaries. Since they have worked for it, they must be paid. It is not a favour, but a right. Luckily, all the personnel of the Health Department have been transferred to the Adamawa State Primary Health Development Agency.

What is now happening between the two leaders of the council is quite unfortunate and there is no need to bring the issue to public domain.

It is however noteworthy that the present Head of Service of the Local Government is working round the clock to see that the two month salaries have been paid.

In fact, with the numerous challenges confronting the Local Government, the Head of Service is trying to see that most crucial problems confronting the LG are solved within a very short time.

As the Head of Service, he knows the problem associated with the non-payment of salaries to workers at the end of each month.

The effort of the Head of Service of the Local Government in trying to see the end of the imbroglio between the Health Department and the Management of the council is commendable. The approach he adopted will no doubt bring about harmony between the management of the council and the entire personnel of the LG.

As they say, “What is source for the goose is also source for the gander.” As such the Head of Service should try and resolve this problem once and for all.

The way the Head of Service is striking a deal with the officials of NULGE at the Local Government is quite commendable. This is because of the fact that the NULGE officials went into negotiation in order to avert a strike action to be embarked upon by the personnel of the Health Department. It is therefore imperative for all at the LG workers to come together and work for the development of the council. May God help us all. Amin.

Usman Santuraki, Jimeta, Adamawa State.