By Terna Chikpa, Jalingo
Proscribed “ghost workers” of the Taraba State Civil Service on Monday staged their third protest over seven months of unpaid salaries.
The affected workers claimed they had complied with all procedures laid down by the state government but had remained unpaid for seven months.
Speaking during the protest, Chairman of the affected workers, Mr. Sani Abdulahul, alleged that over 4,000 civil servants were unlawfully denied their entitlements after being labelled as ghost workers by the Taraba State Government.
According to him, more than 5,000 workers were initially declared ghost workers, out of which 500 were invited for biometric verification.
“The 500 workers were recalled and have since resumed receiving their salaries,” he said.
He explained that the remaining workers were later invited for the same verification exercise but had yet to be cleared for payment.
“Out of over 4,500 workers declared as ghost workers, only 500 were called for biometric verification and have started receiving their salaries.
The rest of us were also verified, but since then, we have not received anything,” he added.
Abdulahul lamented that the workers had repeatedly appealed to the government without success.
“The governor has been promising us for the past seven months. We even took our plea to his mother and his pastor, who promised to intervene, but up till now, we have not started receiving our salaries.
Our members are already dying. The governor should be humane, especially as a pastor,” he appealed.
Responding to the protesters, the Chief of Staff to Governor Agbu Kefas, Dr. Jeji Williams, said the government was still looking into the matter, though resolution might take time.
“I want to assure you that the government is still looking into your matter, but the reality is still far,” Dr. Williams said.
He explained that the state government was still compiling data and financial statistics to address the issue.
“Although the reality is far, I want to assure you that the government is still gathering data and financial statistics to tackle the matter. I appeal for more patience to enable the government complete its processes,” he added.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the affected workers vowed to remain at the Government House gate until their situation is properly addressed.
