The Akwa Ibom State government has refuted allegations that it is onne of the 33 states in Nigeria unable to pay their workers.
It would be recalled that major newspapers other publication had reported that 33 States can’t pay salaries, a conclusion which is attributed to BudgIT- a data sampling civic organization.
In a statement by Ekerete Udoh, Chief Press Secretary, the Akwa Ibom State government said despite the current economic crunches in the country that the she is not owing workers salaries. Part of the statement read:
“Ordinarily, we would have dismissed the report and analysis as representing the immortal words of ex-President of the United States, George H. Bush, who in describing the economic policy as enunciated by his then opponent for the nomination as the Republican Party Presidential Candidate in 1980, -Ronald Reagan had dismissed the whole plan as “Voodoo Economics”.
There is no doubt that the conclusions reached by BudgIT, is nothing but voodoo analysis or how else would any rational and intellectually astute organization place Akwa Ibom State “last on the table of inability to meet monthly recurrent expenditure commitments”.
“It bears repeating here that, Akwa Ibom State is one of the few states where workers are paid regularly and on time. Governor Udom Emmanuel has stated in so many fora and platforms that he cannot sleep and will not sleep well, if workers are owed salary. He has not only paid their salaries, but has gone ahead to pay their 2016 leave allowance, as well as their pensions.
“In spite of the challenging economic times we are currently experiencing, Governor Udom Emmanuel is embarking on many life touching projects- projects that align with his campaign promise to alleviate poverty and ensure wealth creation.
“It is spurious and curious for an organization that may pass itself off, as a credible organization to come up with such a flawed analysis. No wonder the famed CEO of Financial Derivatives Limited, Bismarck Rewane dismissed the analysis and starting that he has ”doubts about this report” maintaining that report is ‘inaccurate’.
“Governor Udom Emmaniel is working hard to fulfil his campaign promises and he will not be distracted by reports that are not based on facts.”
Signed: