Yobe gov’t refutes report of N35,000 palliative for workers
Story from Ibraheem EL-TAFSEER, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government has reacted to emerging arguments on social media platforms alleging that government approved the sum of N35,000 for workers palliative but ended up paying N10,000 instead.
A statement by Alhassan Sule Mamudo, Chief Information Officer, Office of the Head of Service, said a newspaper report of 22nd January 2024 was said to have been quoted to back the argument.
“I wish to put the record straight and in very clear terms to clear the air. The said media report is grossly inaccurate, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the facts.
“There was never a time the sum of N35,000 was approved for payment to workers as palliative. The said media report was refuted by the office of the Head of Service the very day it was published to avoid misleading the public.
“The Nigeria Union of Journalists Yobe state chapter also found the report embrassing, false, and in contrast to the contents of the memo. As a responsible union, the NUJ scolded the reporter for writing false, misleading, and inaccurate reports.
“The fact was that the state government approved the constitution of a six man committee to negotiate with the labour on a figure for payment as palliative to workers.
“It is, therefore, very surprising that, an approval for what is to be paid was obtained before any sitting by the committee and the labour leaders for negotiation.
“The reporter failed to understand in simple and clear terms or deliberately engaged in mischief to mislead the public.
“In fact, most members of the committee were yet to be officially communicated of their membership when the journalist reported that the sum of N35,000 had been approved.
“In view of the economic status of the state and the competing demands, the state government in its negotiation with the labour union, arrived at N10,000 to be paid to every civil servant, and this has been implemented as agreed,” the statement said.
