FG frustrated Ortom’s administration, Says Commissioner

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has blamed the Federal Governemt for frustrating his efforts in offsetting salaries, pensions and gratutities.
This is even as he frowned at the adamant refusal of the Federal government to release the sum of 20 billion infrastructure fund to the State.
State Commissioner for Information and Orientation Michael Inalegwu said this while briefing newsmen at the end of the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Makurdi on Tuesday.
He lamented over the adamant refusal of federal government to give 42 billion naira to the Ortom government to clear backlog of salaries, pension and gratutities owed workers.
It would be noted that the Governor inherited 3 months salary arrears from his predeccesor Gabriel Suswam and is living behind more than 10 months salaries, 34 months pension for state workers and 72 months for local government retirees. Governor Ortom and the PDP lost election on this ground.
Inalegwu passionately appealed to government to release the 42 billion naIra in the twilight of his administration to enable him clear the salaries.
The Information Commissioner intimated that the Governor will officially hand over to the incoming administration of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, adding that he will stay in the State for the next 5 months.
He denied claims of job racketing in the State, saying “there is nothing like employment of 7000 workers and payment of money for induction”.