TheCable

Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, says his administration will be starting in a difficult way as the state is owing workers about N11 billion in salary arrears.

Mutfwang spoke on Monday at a town hall meeting organised by the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC) in Jos, the state capital.

The meeting was part of the activities to mark the 2023 Democracy Day, held in Nigeria annually on June 12.

He said many issues were inherited from the immediate past administration, including the strike by civil servants which has now been resolved.

“Out of a wage bill of N2.9 billion for February, only N900 million was paid,” NAN quoted Muftwang as saying.

“As of now, I can tell Plateau people without politicking that we are owing salaries up to May to the tune of about N11 billion.

“What we have inherited in the coffers of Plateau is N1.1 billion and therefore we are going to start in a difficult way.”

He assured residents that the civil service will be properly re-equipped and re-invigorated to meet the appropriate standard required to conduct its duties.

The governor said the recent suspension of democratic structures across 17 LGAs was recommended by the state house of assembly and was done in the best interest of the people.

He said the recruitment exercise into the state civil service from October 1, 2022, which was conducted by his predecessor has been suspended.

Mutfwang said the suspension was to enable proper investigation into the exercise, adding that those found to have been employed in line with due process would be given their jobs back.

He said no traditional chiefdom was dissolved in the state, noting that the reports were false.

“We will await advice from the Plateau State council of chiefs and traditional rulers and the ministry of local hovernment and chieftaincy affairs before we take any step if there is a need on such matters,” he added.