By Abdullahi Yusuf
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has ordered an investigation into an alleged deduction of N1.5 billion from the state workers’ salaries by the former State Head of Service, Alhaji Abdullahi Musa.
Governor Yusuf had recently relieved the former Head of service of his appointment.
He gave the directive while addressing the State workers during the International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium,Kano, on Friday.
“Following the alleged deduction of N1.5 billion from the workers’ salaries by the former Head of Service, I hereby order an investigation into the allegation,” the governor said.
He warned that anyone found involved in the scam would be punished and the money would be recovered and returned to the workers.
“This government is for you, and will work for you, so what it needs from you is your support and commitment to work,” Yusuf said.
On the outstanding gratuity and death benefits of retirees, the Governor pledged to offset the balance of N16 billion before the expiration of his first term in 2027.
“Alhamdulilahi we have been able to offset N32 billion out of the N48 billion we inherited from the previous administration, and by the grace of God, the N16 billion will be cleared before the end of this tenure,”he said.
Earlier, the State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade Kabir Inuwa, commended the Governor for his prompt payment of salaries and settlement of retirees’ benefits amounting to N32 billion, and urged him to offset the balance.
“This has restored the dignity of workers who served the state for the most part of their lives,” Inuwa said.
He, however, appealed to the state government to address the salary disparity between the state and local government workers to boost the morale of the affected workers in the state.