Dear Gov. Darius, Pay Workers Salaries -By Jen Jibrin

There have been grumblings about non-payment of salaries by the administration of Gov. Darius Ishaku of Taraba State. From owing 4 months salary arrears to the 16 LGAS in the state, to owing 5 months salary arrears to the Taraba State University staffs, all within the echelons of Rescue Mission agenda of Gov. Darius Ishaku.

The government of Taraba has failed or deliberately refused to pay workers salaries at the local government level and some institutions in the state. This situation in Nature’s gift to the nation has reduced many families to misery and untold hardships across communities in the States.

Jen Jibrin

A look into section 15-17 of the Nigerian labour act stipulates that “the duty to pay workers’ salaries and wages is derived from the terms of the contract of service expressly or impliedly or by statute. This duty which is implied at common law is applicable to every contract of employment.”

It is indisputable that the 16 local government areas in the state receive monthly statutory allocations from FAAC based on revenue and fiscal mobilizations policy enshrined in the 1999 constitution. Unfortunately, state governors in Nigeria continuously hijack local government allocations through joint accounts implemented by state governments in Nigeria.

So far, Gov. Darius Ishaku has also failed to implement the 30 thousand naira new minimum wage nearly two years after the approval by president Muhammadu Buhari and the National Assembly. There are 17 states in Nigeria that have implemented the new minimum wage with Borno, Yobe, kaduna, Jigawa, kano, katsina, sokoto and Kebbi, all in the north.

Taraba is known as a salary dependent state in the north with a mass unemployed population living as dependents with families and relatives. Figures released by the NBS in 2019 showed 87.27% of the Taraba people living below the poverty line.

Kidnapping activities in Taraba state has made it a difficult experience for many people to go to their farms in the state. However, both the federal and state governments have failed to address the security threats affecting citizens in Nigeria.

A common appeal to governments at all levels is to ensure a consistent payment of workers salaries to ameliorate suffering and poverty in the land. Hence the need for Gov. Darius Ishaku to exercise restraint and pay workers salaries and all outstanding for God and Mankind.

Unless the ship is sinking from a broken rudder, Gov. Darius should stop acting like a blind captain. Pay workers salaries Mr. Rescue Captain

Jen Jibrin

Public Affairs Analyst

Asokoro District, FCT, Abuja