Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige said Wednesday that since leaving office as governor of Anambra state in 2006, he has never received any money from the state as salary or any form of emolument for former governors and deputy government in the state as enshrined in the state laws.
Ngige became the first former governor to react to the claims by the Nigeria Labour Congress recently that some former governors and deputy governors currently occupying public offices were still receiving double salaries and emoluments.
In a statement he personally signed, the Minister said he was compelled to respond to the issue in the public interest and in view of several calls from his friends and organised labour on the master.
The statement reads: “It is my considered opinion that I respond in the public interest, to the issue of double emoluments to former State Governors, which has drawn sustained media discuss, and no less negative reactions from a cross section of Nigerians.
“I am doing this, being fully aware of the relevant sections of the law, public morality and the prevailing ethos of honest and transparent leadership, which the Federal Government of our great Party led by Muhammadu Buhari GCFR is battling to enthrone.
“It therefore becomes imperative for me to explain my own circumstance as I neither draw from nor have at any time drawn double emoluments, having been elected or appointed into public service positions at different times.
“I wish to put on record that since I left office in 2006 as Governor of Anambra State; through the four years I spent in the 7th Senate (June 2011-2015) and currently as the Hon. Minister of Labour and Employment with effect from November 11, 2015, I have never drawn a dime even in the intervening period that I was not in public office, as salary, emolument or pension from the Anambra State government coffers.
“In fact, I have not received any severance benefit as prescribed in the Anambra State House of Assembly law on pensions and other welfare and benefits for former Governors and Deputy Governors, 2006, and amended 2013. Aside the two utility vehicles given to me some years ago, I have not accessed any of the privileges and other lawful trappings due to the office.
“It is worth stating here that the Supreme Court affirmed that I was entitled to these benefits in their landmark judgment in Mike Balonwu and others Vs Anambra State Government, which declared me Governor, defacto and dejure between 2003-2006.
“This explanation has become more necessary because of the calls and enquiries I have been receiving from so many quarters especially my friends and even from my new constituency, the labour.
“The ultimate aim of public office is service to the people and putting the public conscience in mind is the only way to achieve it. This I will continue to pursue”. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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That is how they will crest more jobs and give unemployed youths 500 naira kwo! I will not be surprised if only few people corner the money. Look at his bear like a castrated he - goat.
ReplyDeleteAnu ohia
That is how they will crest more jobs and give unemployed youths 500 naira kwo! I will not be surprised if only few people corner the money. Look at his bear like a castrated he - goat.
ReplyDeleteAnu ohia