Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has confirmed that the state has received N14.9 billion final tranche of the Paris Club refund from the Federal Government.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Terver Akase, Governor Ortom said 80 per cent of the funds would be used for payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
To that end, Akase disclosed that the governor has set up a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Benson Abounu, to work out modalities for immediate disbursement of the funds.
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In Akase’s words, “Also on the committee are the Head of Service, Finance Commissioner, Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adviser on Labour Matters, Chairmen of Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Benue State chapters.”
Akase also said the decision of Governor Ortom to involve key stakeholders in disbursement of the Paris Club refund is in line with his policy of transparency and accountability.
It would be recalled that the governor made similar public the receipt and disbursement of the N12.7 billion first tranche and N6.4 billion second tranche of the Paris Club refunds, respectively.