State Governors have decided to return to Aso Rock, the Nigerian seat of power, with their begging bowls following the inability of some states to pay their workers and meet other obligations.

The decision was reached at a meeting of the governors held in Abuja, which began at about 8:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday.

At least 22 governors or their representatives were present at the Governors Forum seen as crucial, as some governors are still owing some workers salaries of several months.

Briefing reporters after the meeting, the governors said that they discussed sustainability of the wage bill of some states, which had been affected greatly by the dwindling revenue and allocation to states.

Channels Television’s Correspondent, Lanre Lasisi, said that the “dwindling funds of the states and the complaints that have been made by some states concerning their inability to meet their wage bill and keep the state running,” topped talks at the meeting.

The Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, said most states sincerely were bankrupt and needed quick solution to the paucity of funds they were facing.

“Solution has to be found to address the problems,” Lanre quoted the governors as saying.

The governors said they would need to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari to look for a solution and tackle the problem once and for all.

The Federal Government had some months back approved a bailout fund for the states finding it difficult to pay their workers. It is not clear if all the states have accessed the funds.

•Adapted from a Channels TV report. Photo shows Governor Ajimobi.

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