From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, yesterday, confirmed the receipt of N10 billion from the Federal Government as the share of the state second batch of the Paris Club refund.
Out of the money, N919 million is meant for the eight local government areas
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said the governor made the confirmation at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday, when he hosted labour leaders in the state.
Dickson directed the Commissioner for Finance, Maxwell Ebibai to immediately release the money to enable them carry out their obligations, especially to clear some outstanding salaries.
The governor warned the councils’ money should be properly utilised and not be shared by a few to enrich themselves at the expense of workers in their respective councils.
Dickson said: “I have directed that the money should be transferred to them latest today. As for this money, let me make it clear that is not for them to share and chop. It is not a free money, so those who will be celebrating that money has come to be shared will be disappointed.
“One of the greatest problem we have in this state is that people always think that any money that come is free money for them to share and chop.”
Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jonathan Obuebite, who briefed newsmen after the interactive session between the governor and the labour leaders, said it was agreed that, part of the money should be used to clear backlog of salaries.
Chairman, Bayelsa State council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), John Ndiomu and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Tari Dounana, commended the government for disclosing the share of the state in the latest fund and for inviting them to interact on how to utilise the money.