Governor Abba Yusuf has ordered an investigation into the alleged deduction of N1.5bn from workers’ salaries in the state.
Yusuf gave the directive on Friday while addressing workers during the International Workers’ Day celebration held at Sani Abacha Stadium.
The governor said the probe would focus on allegations involving a former Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa.
He said, “Following the alleged deduction of N1.5 billion from the workers’ salaries by the former Head of Service, I hereby ordered an investigation into the allegation.”
He added that anyone found culpable would be punished, while any recovered funds would be returned to affected workers.
“This government is for you, will work for you, so what it needs from you is your support and commitment to work,” Yusuf added.
Yusuf also pledged to clear outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retirees.
According to him, the state had paid N32bn out of the N48bn inherited from the previous administration, with a promise to settle the remaining N16bn before the end of his tenure in 2027.
Earlier, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kabir Inuwa, commended the government for the payment of salaries and retirees’ benefits.
He, however, urged the governor to address salary disparities between state and local government workers.
Inuwa also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged N1.5bn salary deductions and the recovery of the funds if the claims are established.
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