Delta ALGON Commends Governor Okowa For Salvaging Local Council’s Salary Backlogs

Following the intervention of the Delta State Government in granting the sum of N5 billion to Local Government councils in the State in regards to offsetting the huge salary backlogs owed workers and primary school Staff, the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON Delta State Chapter has offered its thanks and appreciation to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for graciously coming to the rescue of the local councils.

This commendation was contained in a statement by ALGON during a press conference on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at the conference hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba where they expressed their unreserved gratitude to Governor Okowa for his magnanimity.

Leading a retinue of Local Government Chairmen in the State to the media session with Journalists, the Chairman, ALGON Delta State, Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo who conveyed the appreciation of the Council Chairmen, assured Governor Okowa of their unalloyed dedication, loyalty and support in actualizing his prosperity promise to Deltans.

The Press Statement titled, “Receipts Of Third Tranche Of Paris Club Refund And Complete Payment Of Salary Backlog Of Staff Of Local Governments And Primary Schools In Delta State”, as obtained by ASABA METRO reads in parts.

“The Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON Delta State is pleased to inform the generality of Deltans that all local government councils in the state have paid outstanding salary arrears of staff of the local governments and primary school teachers.

“The offset of the salary backlog is sequel to the receipt of N7 billion naira being the local government share of the third tranche of the Paris Club Loan, PCL refund and the gracious augmentation with about N5 billion naira by His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa from the coffers of the Delta State Government.

“The devotion of the entire local government share of the PCL and the monumental assistance from the Delta state government underscores government’s commitment to the wellbeing of workers in the state.

“You will recall that His excellency did promise in January 2018 that subject to improvement of the revenue earnings of the state, the Delta state government will assist in clearing salary arrears owed local government workers and primary school staff some dating back to 2014, long before the advent of the Okowa administration. A promise though difficult in view of the huge financial consequence has been magnanimously kept by His Excellency.

“This singular act of Compassion attest to Governor Okowa’s fatherly disposition, concern and kindheartedness to the plight of workers and Deltans in general. His Excellency has again proven beyond doubt that his words are his bond, a promise keeper and leader who places prime consideration on the betterment of his people, which is indeed the hallmark of a people oriented leadership.

“The Delta ALGON therefore wishes to express its unreserved and eternal gratitude to His Excellency for seeing the local governments through its most turbulent and frightening period in their history. Governor Okowa’s action will undoubtedly heighten the morale and commitment of the local government workers with the attendant boost in productivity.”

In a closing remark, Hon. Ikpokpo on behalf of ALGON, charged Staff of all local governments in Delta state to reciprocate Governor Okowa’s kind effort through enhanced commitment to duty in the overall interest of the local government and Delta state at large.