Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State has slashed the salaries of workers in the State by thirty five (35%). As gathered by this medium the salary cut of workers in Nasarawa state has continued to generate tension among the working class, as the announcement was coming at a time Nigeria Labour Congress is demanding for the upward review of salary to N56,000.
The downward review met stiff resistance following what the civil servants said 35% slashing of workers salary is more than the thirty percent deduction from the state Deputy Governor, Silas Ali Agara while 20% would be forfeited by political appointees.
A senior Civil servants who pleaded anonymity expressed concerned over the unilateral decision taken by the chief executive, as he said other Governors are increasing the monthly salary of its staff and Al-Makura is busy slashing salary without consulting the NLC.
A civil servant, Muhammed Surajo described the position of the Governor as barbaric and injustice to workers being the engine room of Government business, “he announced his salary cut of 50% but nobody knows how much he is collecting monthly.
“Which development are you talking about, is it civil servants that would contribute to develop the state? What happened to our bailout fund? Money that was diverted to fund airport project? And which airport? The 419 airport that has already been abandoned?
The state head of service, Joseph Ancho when contacted on phone affirmed that the 35% deduction was a directive from above, as he further opined that the directive is to be effective from the time of announcement.
The state chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdullahi Adeka when contacted on phone refuted the public announcement by the state Government for the downward review of 35% of workers salary.
Adeka said position of the state Government was not with the consent of NLC in the state,” we have written to the state Government and still waiting for their reply, he added.
