By Haruna Gimba
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State has ordered immediate payment of two years’ salary to ten casual Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in Maje town of Suleja Local Government Area of the state.
According to statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Jibrin Baba Ndace, Governor Bello learnt of the workers plight when he paid an unscheduled inspection to the health facilities in Suleja.
Irked by the development, the governor directed Chairman of the local government area, Alhaji Ahmed Diko to effect immediate payment of the two years outstanding salary of the casual workers.
“It is very unfair for people to work without payment. As the Chief Security Officer (Suleja LG Chairman) of this place, go and get money to pay these workers their due salaries within 24 hours,” the governor directed.
He assured the affected workers of permanent employment if they discharge their duties diligently. “If you do your work as expected, I assure all of you of permanent employment.
“This hospital is being used especially by pregnant women, always ensure proper hygiene especially in the bathrooms and toilets”, he said.
Governor Sani Bello also pledged his administration’s resolve to provide adequate modern medical facilities to the primary health care centres across the state for easy access to health care services, especially the teeming rural dwellers.
He directed the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Tiffin to ensure adequate provision of health facilities in the area.
Commending the governor’s intervention, one of the affected workers, Malama Fatima Mohammed, said the act of the governor will wipe away their tears. She added that for over two years the management failed to pay them the meager monthly allowance of N6000.
