The Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, on Saturday said payment of salary arrears to the state workers would commence soon.

Ikyange gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen in Makurdi.

He said that though he could not tell the definite date when the payment would start, however, stated that the backlog would be cleared in no distant time.

He said both the executive and the legislative arms of Government were working out modalities that could assist the state to offset the salary arrears.

The speaker said it was in view of the foregoing that the assembly constituted a committee to verify the exact staff strength of the state.

“This will go a long way in assisting the state to fish out ghost workers on its pay roll.

“By this, funds that could have been paid to the ghost workers will be channeled to other meaningful ventures.”

He further said the exercise when done with diligence would open up employment opportunities for job seekers in the state.

“The exercise is also geared toward creating employment because people would be employed to fill the vacancies earlier blocked by ghost workers.”

Ikyange said the exercise would commence as soon as all the necessary logistics were put in place, adding that it would be expeditiously carried out.

“We are seeking the cooperation of the workers to see to diligent execution of this laudable exercise to enable the state block leakages in the payment system.”

The speaker also said the legislature would deploy its staff to assist the executive in monitoring the payment procedure. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Ortom

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