Bayelsa Cut Salaries of Political Appointees

Bayelsa state government has announced a 30 per cent pay cut for all political appointees in the state while assuring workers in the local governments, it would begin payment of salary arrears by May 16th.

Mr Jonathan Obuebite, Commissioner for information and orientation, stated that the 30 per cent slash in salaries was necessitated by the prevailing economic situation.

According to the Commissioner, the payment of salaries would commence on the said day at the various designated centres including Peace Park, Samson Siasia Sports Complex, DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Izon Wari, Dr. Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre and Micro Finance Bank in Yenagoa.

Speaking alongside the commissioner for local government administration, Mrs Agatha Goma, Obuebite said the state government sympathised with the plight of workers who have had to endure non-payment of salaries for many months.

The state government has, in reaction to recently discovered fraud in the civil service payroll, set up a verification committee headed by head of service, Dr Peter Singabele. It has also directed all permanent secretaries to prepare authentic payrolls for which they would be held responsible for any fraud subsequently discovered.