The Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, said on Sunday that he has not received any salary since he assumed office due to inadequate funds in government coffers.




Mr. Lalong made the disclosure to Journalists in Plateau on Sunday night at a media chat to mark his 100 days in office. He said the media parley was for citizens of the state to assess his performance since he assumed office on May 29.

He said the financial situation of the state was also the reason for the delay in making political appointments.
"Even those I have appointed so far have not been paid salaries.

"I myself have not received a single month salary as I speak with you; we want to settle civil servants salaries first," he said.
On insecurity, Governor Lalong said 150 additional mobile police officers were recently deployed to the state to curb communal attacks, particularly in Barkinladi and Riyom local government areas where violence has continue unabated.

On the recovery of public funds allegedly looted by his predecessor, Jonah Jang, Mr. Lalong said he has handed the matter to the anti-graft agency, EFCC, to investigate and bring defaulters to book.

"Since the two weeks grace I gave them elapsed without any response, I have written to EFCC to take over from where we stop, but if they delay in the assignment, I will remind them again," he said.

Mr. Lalong also said his administration has paid 5 out of the 7 months workers' salaries arrears he inherited.
"We will pay the 6th month tomorrow (Monday)," he said.

The governor also said that the Plateau crisis lingered because security operatives were owed 6 months allowances, which his administration has settled.

He explained that the state was yet to access the federal government bailout funds. According to him, Plateau will be in the next batch of states to receive the bailout funds.

Commenting on the allegation that his administration has already borrowed money, he explained that he took a loan of N4.5 billion to settle workers' salaries.

Onajevwe:
Laudable. Fact though is that we don't care if you receive salaries or not, afterall you'll be fine with or without your salary. Just ensure that you clear all inherited salary arrears and in future ensure that civil servants are promptly paid.

Ilekeh:
LaLong? How manage?
Is he Asian?

permsec:
No He is half Australian, half Mount.Everest

Ilekeh:

I know your type.

Sijo01:
Allowances and security votes nkor?

Sijo01:
Allowances and security votes nkor?

Charliewyt:
What's your salary compared to your numerous allowances which i'm sure you never fail to receive?.