Bayelsa workers decry breach on payment of 50% salary arrears by government

Civil servants in Bayelsa State on Thursday expressed disappointment over the state government’s failure to pay the outstanding 50 per cent arrears of salaries to workers.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress on May 19 asked its members to stay at home over non-payment of five month salary arrears.
The unions had agreed with the state government to pay half salaries to workers with a promise to clear the outstanding as soon as the state finances improved.
But the workers, under the aegis of Integrity group of NLC and Trade Union Congres, on Thursday said government’s breach of the agreement with the unions was unacceptable.
A statement on Thursday by the Coordinator of the group, Ekeipre Dienagha, expressed regrets over the state government’s renege of its promise.
It stated that one month after the agreement and subsequent resumption of work, the government was yet to fulfil its part of the agreement with organised labour.
It said: “The Integrity group of NLC and TUC in Bayelsa has appraised the agreement signed with the state government by chairmen of NLC and TUC over 50 per cent payment of salaries to workers in Bayelsa.
“We have observed with dismay, the failure of the state government to fulfil its part of any of the agreements reached and to this end we call on the government to note that the agreement and its breach are no longer acceptable.
“Government should begin the full payment of salaries and the arrears to its workers and pensioners from January, 2016 till date.”
The group also condemned the extension of the tenure of Dr. Peter Singabele as Head of Service and Josph Akedesuo as Permanent Secretary on contract, after retirement from service.
The group, therefore, advised the beneficiaries of the irregular extension of service to vacate the offices to give room for smooth career progression of others in the service.
In a reaction, Jonathan Obuebite, the Commissioner for Information, said the extension was to enable the HOS complete ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening the civil service structure.
Obuebite accused “disgruntled” politicians of being responsible for championing the resistance.
He said Governor Seriake Dickson had assured permanent secretaries in the state that the ongoing reforms were meant to reposition the service for greater efficiency.