•We are the ones paying gratuity arrears to retired primary school teachers not Governor-LG chairmen
Local Government chairmen have come out to counter Governor Umo Eno’s claim that he has paid over ₦90.6billion as arrears of gratuity to retired primary school teachers since he assumed office.
The disclosure was backed up by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Aniekan Umanah during the August edition of monthly ministerial briefing at the government house press centre where he affirmed that Governor has paid ₦9.6b for to defray gratuity owed retired primary teachers.
But speaking with some local government chairmen who did not want their names mentioned, they revealed that one billion naira is usually deducted from the bulk payment for local government councils from the federal allocation.
The chairmen revealed that till date the state is still operating joint account with local government councils, thereby preventing chairmen from having direct access to their money.
“Once the money drops, the Governor through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Frank Archibong and the ALGON chairman, Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, one billion naira is collectively withdrawn from the money straight to SUBEB account for payment of arrears of gratuity.
“Let me also tell You that virtually all the compassionate homes are built from the money deducted from council money but we cannot talk because these deductions are channelled into other subheads and we are always forced to sign documents indicating as if we are the ones spending it.” One of the chairmen said.
It can be recalled that at several fora, the Governor has been claiming of paying up arrears of gratuity of primary school teachers, a claim which has attracted plaudits from people. .
