Jubilation in Benue as workers received first salary in seven months

Benue state government has paid civil servants in the state their salaries — the first time in seven months.

Confirming the development, chief press secretary to the governor of Benue, Tersoo Kula, said workers were paid their salaries for the month of May on Sunday.

Kula said June’s salary will also be paid “very soon”.

“The previous administration was owing salaries for several months. Workers in the state have not received any salary this year. Even though it’s the previous administration that owes the money, the governor understands that the civil servants worked for this money,” he said.

“Once we pay the salary for June, we will look at the papers so we can come up with what to do about the other months owed.”

Speaking during a state broadcast to commemorate Democracy Day, Governor Hyacinth Alia had promised to commence payment of salaries to state civil servants beginning from June 25.

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“Good people of Benue, we are aware of the sufferings and hardships of our people especially civil servants and retirees due to non-payment of their salaries, pensions and gratuities,” he had said.

“We call for your patience and understanding as we are working hard to address these problems. Indeed, as of the 25th of this month, civil servants should start expecting alerts for their payments.”