Federal allocation responsible for delayed November salaries ―Bayelsa Govt.

Governor Seriake Dickson

Just as workers have continued to groan over unpaid November salaries, Bayelsa State Government has said that the Federal Ministry of Finance was responsible for the delay, as state is yet to receive its monthly federal allocation for November 2017 as well as the expected Paris Club debt refund.

However, government decided to inform workers against the backdrop of complains over the unusual delay, more so, as most civil servants have carried over debt from the last week of November to December on the
assurance that their salaries would be paid latest by the end of the month

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Daniel Iworiso-Markson, made available to journalists in Yenagoa. Iworiso-Markson explained that the funds due to state governments have not been released because of the failure of the Federal Government to hold the crucial meeting of the Federal Accounts and Allocation Committee for the month of November.

The Commissioner, who pleaded with the state’s workforce to exercise patience, said that the non-release of the funds was responsible for the delay in the payment of the salaries of workers for the month of November.

The commissioner assured workers in the state that the state government would ensure a prompt payment of the salaries as soon as the funds are released.

“It has become important to explain to our workers why the salary for the month of November has not been paid.

“The Federal Ministry of Finance did not hold the usual FAAC meeting that should precede the release of funds to states and local governments.

“The failure of the government to convene the meeting has culminated in the failure of the Federal Government to release the November allocations to Bayelsa and her entitlements in the Paris Club debt refund.

To this end, Iworiso-Markson re-assured workers of government’s commitment to ensure that their salaries are paid as soon as the awaited funds are received.

David Olagunju