Benue State Governor, Samuel
Ortom has cried out over the decision by President Muhammadu Buhari-led
government to withdraw the Paris Club refund from the state’s account.
The Governor, however, urged the
people of the state to remain calm, following the decision of the Federal
Government to withdraw the final tranche of Paris club refund initially sent to
the state.
Ortom expressed shock at the
decision and expressed the hope that the decision will be reversed in the
interest of workers and retirees of the state.
A Statement made available by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, Ortom noted
that plans had been concluded to start paying up workers salaries and pensions
with the fund before the withdrawal.
The statement added, “Following
the Governor’s directive to the state Ministry of Finance, payment of salaries,
pensions and gratuities was set to commence today, only for the people to wake
up with the demoralizing news of Federal Government’s recall of the funds from
the state’s accounts.
“We hope this latest move is not
part of the ongoing witch-hunt of the state. Benue people have already suffered
enough impunity and attacks.
“We also hope that the withdrawal
order was made in error, because the said funds are not grants from the Federal
Government.
“This was a refund of funds the
Federal Government has been owing Benue over the years, so they shouldn’t make
it look as though they had given the state a loan or a grant.”
Governor Ortom assured the people
that the Nigerian Governor’s Forum, NGF, will meet today and take an official
position on the matter.
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