By Lawal Gwanda
Relief has come to 344 affected Local Government employees in Katsina State following Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s approval of recommendations aimed at resolving cases that led to the withholding of their salaries.
The development followed the conclusion of a committee set up by the state government to review the circumstances surrounding the suspended salaries and make appropriate recommendations.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana, disclosed this on Wednesday in Katsina, saying the panel examined 13 categories of cases before submitting its recommendations to the governor.
According to Safana, Governor Radda approved the recommendations, including the payment of seven months’ salary arrears to affected workers. He added that the September salary would be paid alongside the October salary.
The committee also recommended the regularisation of appointments for 30 staff members, while 18 workers found to have poor attendance records would receive warning letters.
Nine staff members who had been absent from duty are to be reinstated, with a deduction of one grade level, while three employees involved in court cases will receive half salaries.
Safana further disclosed that 13 workers with health-related challenges would be referred to the Medical Board for further assessment.
The governor also approved voluntary retirement for 18 employees who had reached the retirement threshold, while the entitlements of 22 workers who resigned from service are to be processed.
Families of seven deceased staff members are also expected to receive their outstanding death benefits following the approval for urgent payment.
The committee further recommended contract appointments for over-aged S-Power workers who are above the stipulated recruitment age.
Meanwhile, certificates submitted by 49 staff members will undergo verification as part of efforts to authenticate their employment records.
The committee also confirmed 52 workers previously listed as missing, while two employees who proceeded on unauthorised leave will be required to refund salaries paid to them during the period.
Safana said the governor had graciously approved all the recommendations of the committee, paving the way for the affected workers and their families to receive the payments and administrative decisions applicable to their respective cases.
The development is expected to bring an end to prolonged uncertainty among the affected Local Government workers whose salaries had been withheld pending the outcome of the review.
About The Author
