Rose Ejembi, Makurdi

The Federal Government has finally returned the Paris Club Refund it initially withdrew from the coffers of the Benue State Government.

Rumours about the return of the fund were rife in the state, on Thursday night, until the state government, through the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom, Terver Akase, confirmed it in a statement, on Saturday.

Akase noted that, “Following the return of the Paris Club refund to Benue State Government account by the Federal Government, the state’s acting Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, after due consultation with Governor Samuel Ortom, has directed the Ministry of Finance to commence payment of two months arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities, on Monday.”

He stated further that the acting Governor had given assurance that October salaries will also be paid a few days after payment of the two months arrears, to enable workers of the state enjoy three months wages within one week.

“The Government assures them that as it has commenced the payment of the arrears of salaries, pensions and gratuities, it will continue to source funds to pay till the backlog of wages is cleared.

“The Benue State Government appreciates the understanding and cooperation of workers and retirees of the state,” the statement concluded.

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Meanwhile, a new Chief Judge of Benue State,  Justice Aondover Kaka’an is to be sworn in, on Monday, by the acting Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu.

According to another statement by Akase,  the  swearing-in ceremony will commence at 8:00 o’clock in the morning at the New Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House, in Makurdi.

While noting that Justice Kaka’an will take over from Justice Adam Onum, who is proceeding on retirement, Akase said the time for the swearing-in of new Chief Judge is fixed for 8:00am to enable the acting Governor and the rest of Benue State  delegation leave Makurdi for Abuja to attend the meeting on the issue of boundary between Benue and Ebonyi states at 11:00a.m same day.