The Bayelsa State government on Thursday, June 21, raised a fresh alarm that financial institutions and commercial banks operating in the state were colluding with fraudulent public servants to defraud government.

The government explained that the depth of rot being uncovered could not have been possible without the input of some unscrupulous employees of banks.

Daniel Iworiso-Markson, the state commissioner for Information and Orientation, raised the dust in Nembe during a town hall meeting.

The town hall meeting was part of efforts at galvanising support for the ongoing public service reforms in the state.

The commissioner enjoined banks to collaborate with government in efforts at sanitising the payroll system, warning that government would not hesitate to blacklist any bank found wanting in this regard.

In his response to the call on government to establish companies that could absolve young Bayelsans graduating from university, Iworiso-Markson said that it would be practically impossible for government to employ everyone seeking employment.

He said young people dreaming to make it big in life should rather seek opportunity in the private sector, warning that nobody could become rich in the public service unless he defrauds government.

According to him, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises remained the potent avenue to employing young enterprising Bayelsans.

He explained that the recent 500 million naira young entrepreneur endowment fund is therefore a call on Bayelsans to take advantage of the promise of better life inherent in businesses.

Speaking on the ongoing reforms, Iworiso-Markson said the pension system will also witness reforms and ensure that only genuine pensioners receive payment.

He explained that the present administration inherited total gratuity arrears of about 20 Billion Naira and a monthly pension of N650 million.

The commissioner, however, said this was unsustainable, and advised community leaders, traditional leaders and community people to lend a hand to government by blowing whistle on culprits and big rats feeding fat on pension.

In his welcome address, Biefie Inemo Fibereseimo, Nembe Local Government caretaker committee chairman, said the public service reform was yielding positive results and called on citizens to buy into it.

Fibereseimo said for the first time in a long time, the reform had empowered council to fulfill its obligation of regular payment of salary and embarking on projects that have positive impact in the lives of rural dwellers.

He disclosed that council wage bill had now been reduced by 25 million naira with potential for more reduction.

Speakers including lawmakers, traditional rulers, labour leaders, young graduates and other stakeholders agreed that public service reform is the last option in order to save the state from collapse or bankruptcy.

They commended the state governor for his courage and assured him of their support in order to ensure that the reforms were pursued to logical conclusion in the interest of the state.

– June 22, 2018 @ 13:11 GMT |