
<<< By Terver Akase >>>
Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has urged government functionaries and all workers of the state to be prudent in managing its resources as the country’s economy continues to dwindle.
Governor Ortom gave the charge during a thanksgiving service in honour of the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Terkimbi Ikyange held at NKST Church Manor Ikov in Ushongo Local Government Area.
He disclosed that Benue State had received only N2 billion from the federation account for the month of October, stressing the need for civil servants of the state to save part of the salary arrears paid them from the bailout funds for future use.
The Governor said he had told all government appointees that corruption will have no place in the present administration, reiterating that anyone found wanting will face the consequences of their actions.
On the exclusion of pensioners in the bailout package, Governor Ortom explained that Benue had included the retirees in its application for the bailout funds but the federal government approved N28 billion covering only the backlog of salaries.
“While we were applying for the bailout funds, we included the pension arrears of our retirees but unfortunately, what was approved was only for the backlog of salaries. But I can assure you that we are not relenting in our efforts to find a solution to the issue of pension arrears.”
The Governor also promised that his administration would sustain the cordial working relationship with the State House of Assembly, describing the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Terkimbi Ikyange as a God fearing and humble young man committed to excellence in service to the people.
In a remark, the Speaker, Benue State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Terkimbi Ikyange stated that he organised the thanksgiving service to express gratitude to God for the good things He had done in his life as a person and family, thanking all those who attended the event.
Earlier in a sermon, the Pastor of NKST High Level Makurdi, Reverend Fred Ikyaan urged those in leadership positions to see the responsibilities handed to them as opportunities to offer selfless service and not to amass wealth at the expense of the people, adding that leaders who deviate from God’s purpose were bound to fail.