Governor Diri Canvasses National Dialogue on Local Government Reforms
–As Bayelsa LG Councils Offset N12b Gratuity/Pension Arrears
By- Alambo Datonye
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has advocated a National Dialogue to strengthen the framework for Local Government Councils Administration in the country.
He made the call at a one day forum with the theme ‘Promoting Local Government Workers Welfare: The Bayelsa Model’ held at the Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House in Yenagoa.
The Governor used the occasion to present checks for gratuities, retirement and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased pensioners across the eight local government areas of the State amounting to about five billion Naira.
Governor Douye Diri who described Local Government Councils as a critical aspect of for governance due to their proximity to the people, reiterated the commitment of the present Administration in the State to improving the welfare and working conditions of workers by ensuring prompt payment of gratuities and pensions to retirees at the third tier of government.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his interest in repositioning Local Government Administration in the country, he canvassed a National Dialogue to examine the structure, functions and funding for the Councils.
Governor Diri made a case for States to be granted the powers to create the number of Local Government Areas according to their capacities and resources in order to take governance to the grassroots and impact more on the lives of people in rural communities.
In a goodwill message, the National President of the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Aliyu Kankara acknowledged efforts by the Bayelsa State government to reposition the third tier of government in the State through prompt payment of workers salary, pensions and entitlements.
Also, the National President of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, Dr. Kabiru Minijibir urged other States to emulate the example of Bayelsa in prioritizing the welfare of workers and retirees.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, Chairman of the State Local Government Service Commission, Chief Lambert Ototo, Chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON in the State, Mr. Tariye Leleia nd Chairman of the Local Government Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Mr. Noel Itade thanked Governor Diri and the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo for according priority to the welfare of workers for better service delivery.
State Officials say over N12 Billion arrears in pension and gratuities to retirees had so far been cleared with N5 Billion the latest tranche being disbursed.
