Plateau LGA’s enjoy autonomy and control their resources – Gov Lalong

Lalong made this known while speaking at the flag-off of the Special Public Works Programme in the rural areas of the state.

He said, ” Let me use this opportunity to once again speak on the protests by Local Government employees who for over a month have disrupted public peace and led shutting down the State Secretariat over the implementation of the 30 thousand naira minimum wage.”

“They have not only disregarded efforts to negotiate with Local Government Councils who are their employers but have gone ahead to wage a campaign of calumny and blackmail against the State Government. They have also gone ahead to defy a subsisting court order restraining them from carrying out their activities. “

Lalong said “The State Government has no hand in it. Whatever amount within the law that is negotiated and agreed to by both parties is final and not subject to any approval by me.”

In his words “Despite my efforts to ensure industrial harmony and improve the lives of civil servants in the State, the Local Government employees appear determined to mislead and misdirect their anger towards the State Government with a view to rubbishing our good work. This is sad and unacceptable.”

“Plateau State belongs to all of us and we should not try to destroy it on the altar of politics and parochialism.

He advised the aggrieved workers to take their anger to their employers for negotiation.

“We are facing difficult times because of COVID-19 which has affected the economy and other aspects of our lives. This is not the time to play games and further, put the fragile economy of the State in jeopardy. Let us apply wisdom and allow good reason to prevail.”

“We should rather channel our energies towards generating revenue internally both at the State and Local Governments so that we can not only be able to pay salaries as and when due but also carry execute projects that will make the lives of the people better.”

Lalong also appealed to all citizens to strictly observe the protocols for preventing COVID-19 as the state is recording more cases and casualties in the second wave. ” Let us work to protect our lives and the lives of others by doing the right things such as wearing the face mask, washing our hands with soap and water, observing social distancing among others.”

“I have directed the commencement of a vigorous community engagement and public enlightenment as well as enforcement across the entire State to ensure that we mitigate the risks of infection and deaths.” He added.