Following the call made by the Benue State House of Assembly on Governor Hyacinth Alia to unfreeze government accounts, the governor has instructed the state Ministry of Finance to complete all the procedures needed to unfreeze the accounts.
Recall that Alia, after taking the oath of office on May 29th , 2023 ordered a restriction on all government accounts.
The governor said a “Post No Debit ” instruction shall remain in force until all signatories are changed.
However, Credible News had reported that the House, during its Thursday’s plenary passed a motion asking gov. Alia to unfreeze all state accounts for the smooth running of Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDA’s.
It also reported that the House of Assembly frowned at the action, expressing worry that the freezing of state accounts have crippled the activities of the MDA’s preventing them from rendering effective services to the people of the state.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula on Friday, Alia was quoted as saying that the decision was aimed at protecting government assets and to instill accountability in public expenditure.
READ ALSO: Benue State House of Assembly orders gov. Alia to unfreeze government accounts
“This singular move saved the state a lot of money, freeing up much-needed resources for use in the interest of Benue people.
“We are grateful for the understanding and support of the civil service and the good people of our dear state.
“On attainment of the objectives set by the government before the commencement of this policy, the governor recently instructed the ministry of finance to put measures in place to remove all restrictions placed on accounts.
“This action is ongoing and will be completed as soon as possible,” the statement partly read.
The statement also noted that state ministry of finance would provide updates on this and other matters relating to fiscal responsibility, public procurement and financial reporting.
Meanwhile, Alia has constituted a minimum wage review committee that would make necessary recommendations for the state government.
The committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Joseph Alakali include the state head of service and several heads of MDA’s.
Kula stated that the committee had already held an inaugural meeting and would be collaborating with the organized labor.
“The Government of Benue State is conscious of the economic challenges the nation is experiencing and will do its best to provide its citizens succor in the prevailing circumstances,” he said.
Credible News.ng
