Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto
A Sokoto State civil servant, Inuwa Muhammad, has stated the latest criticism of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration by the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, raises questions on his personal file in public workplace.
Dan’iya had accused the Aliyu administration of withholding salaries of some native authorities training staff for allegedly collaborating in his social gathering’s political rally, and referred to as on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to examine the matter.
He additionally accused the current administration of undermining the civil service, describing the Shehu Kangiwa and Usman Faruk Secretariats as establishments that had misplaced a lot of their performance.
But reacting to the allegations, Muhammad stated whereas each concern regarding staff’ welfare deserves severe consideration, it was equally essential to study the file of these making such accusations.
Muhammad famous that Dan’iya served as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs for over three years earlier than changing into Deputy Governor below Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and may due to this fact account for measures taken to tackle challenges going through native authorities staff throughout that interval.
He recalled that many civil servants skilled difficulties below the earlier administration, together with complaints about delayed salaries, insufficient workplace amenities and lack of primary working supplies, with some staff reportedly contributing private cash to purchase printing paper and gasoline.
According to him, the Shehu Kangiwa Secretariat skilled extended energy outage following the breakdown of its transformer and excellent electrical energy payments, a scenario he stated improved after the Aliyu administration addressed the money owed and restored energy provide.
Muhammad stated from a civil servant’s perspective, a very powerful consideration in assessing an administration is common cost of salaries and implementation of the N70,000 nationwide minimal wage, which he stated the Aliyu administration has emphasised.
He additionally cited the administration’s reported earmarking of N15 billion for excellent entitlements of retired civil servants, with N500 million allotted month-to-month, describing it as an essential intervention for retirees if sustained.
The civil servant recalled that in 2023, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdullahi Jungle, criticised the outgoing Tambuwal administration over alleged neglect of staff and retirees, together with delayed salaries and unpaid pension and gratuity.
He stated Dan’iya’s allegation of politically motivated wage withholding is severe and ought to be investigated if backed by credible proof, however harassed that the ADC candidate ought to present particular particulars to permit correct examination.
Muhammad added that allegations of politically motivated suspensions had been additionally raised towards the earlier administration, and urged that the civil service mustn’t develop into a political weapon, however be assessed on sensible problems with wage regularity, staff’ entitlements and institutional performance.
