Northern Nigerian Breaking News

Zamfara civil servants observe special prayer over non-payment of three months salary

Hundreds of civil servants in Zamfara state stormed the Eid praying ground in the state capital, Gusau on Saturday to offer ‘special prayer'(AlQunut) usually observed by Muslims who are facing untold hardships.

It was observed that at about 10:00 am on Saturday, that the workers stormed the Eid ground seeking God to intercede for them so that the state government will pay them their salaries.

One of the civil servants, (name withheld) who spoke on behalf of them, noted that workers were not paid their salaries for about three months, (February, March and April).

He explained that they are seeking God’s intervention on the lingering issue that had affected the civil servants and pensioners in the state.

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“Many of us have been turned to beggars, unable to eat one square meal a day and pay our children’s school fees, he declared.

“So, this prayer session is specially meant to commit our dear governor, Head of Service, members of the House of Assembly and all those concerned, for God to enable them to have compassion on us.

“We have suffered enough on account of this struggle, many lost their lives too and we want it no more.

He also added, “We have gathered in unison devoid of religious affiliations to sincerely seek God’s intervention for all,” he said.

Also another civil servant, said the governor is venting his anger on them over his failure at the general election.

‘’We heard that the governor, Bello Matawalle told close associates that they workers would pay for his loss at the general election. He said because we are ungrateful to him by reelecting him.’’

When contacted by SOLACEBASE, Special Adviser to Zamfara Governor, Public Enlightenment and Media, Zalani baffa said the people of the state should be grateful to the governor as he has never defaulted in paying salary in the last four years.

”Since Gov. Bello Matawalle came into office almost four years  ago, salaries of workers were paid as at when due, but we presently have challenges,” Baffa said.

Baffa said the state has been experiencing financial difficulties just like other states since last December.

”Zamfara is one of the state with least federal allocation and low internally generated revenue in Nigeria. We are battling with the huge debt inherited from the past administration and the 30% increment in civil servants salaries carried out last year are some of the reasons for the non-payment of salaries to civil servants.”

When asked why the issue of non-payment of salary to civil servants is coming up just after electioneering period, he denied insinuation that workers were not paid because the governor lost election, attributing such statements to detractors.

”But it is not true that all civil servants have not been paid three months salaries, we have started paying, even some civil servants got their salaries yesterday, Saturday.”

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