*Gov Zulum*
The Committee On Verification and Biometric Data Capture of Local Government Staff in Borno State has said retrenchment of workers is not part of it’s mandate.
It made the clarification in a press statement issued by it’s chairman, Senator Kaka Mallam Yale.
The statement reads: “As you may be aware, the Committee On Verification and Biometric Data Capture of Local Government Staff in Borno State has been inaugurated by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, FNSE, MNI. The Committee has since commenced sitting and may soon embark on visitations to all Local Government Areas for sensitization and physical verification of claims by all Local Government Workers. Before then, it has become necessary to put issues in their proper perspectives.
“The committee membership is drawn from diverse backgrounds and made up of individuals with proven records of service. It’s terms of reference have been unambiguously spelt out and its mandate has been clearly defined. We are however disturbed by the negative perceptions and mischievous misinterpretations of Government intentions in setting up the committee viz –a- viz its mandate. Our attention has been drawn particularly to insinuations in certain quarters, that has been mandated to retrench workers at the Local Government level.
“We state without any fear of contradiction that nothing could be further from the truth in such insinuations, as the terms of reference of the committee do not directly or remotely suggest retrenchment of any staff, nay any form of victimization. Specifically, the committee has been mandated to make recommendations after its finding to Government, which has the final say on all issues that may arise in the course of the exercise.
“The administration of Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has enjoyed tremendous goodwill from the citizenry, for its ambitious policies and programmes. It is uncharitable for anyone of group, to insinuate that, an administration which has placed worker’s welfare in the front burner of its programmes could turn around to retrench the workers. The truth is that, Government plans to reposition the Local Government system in the state, by correcting certain anomalies that may have occurred in staff recruitment, remuneration, placements, training, promotions and even retirements, over the years, such that Local Governments can achieve their set objectives as the third tier of Government.
“The essence of this committee is to assist the Government in fine tuning the operations of Local Governments in the state, and to bring transparency in the manner Local Governments manage their resources both human and material and provide services to the people. Contrary to negative perceptions being propagated by some selfish interests, the committee does not have the mandate to retrench or employ, just as it has no intentions to witch hunt, victimize or unduly punish any worker for whatever reasons.
“We wish to seize this opportunity to solicit for the cooperation and support of key stakeholders in the Local Government system, especially the various staff unions and workers of all Local Government Areas as well as the general public in executing this noble assignment. Government has the best of intentions towards all workers at the Local Government level and will not deliberately make policies that will endanger their livelihood.
“We thank you all, in anticipation that we shall all work together for the betterment of the Local Government system in Borno State.”