Professor Hafiz Abubakar, who received in audience today, Wednesday, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, who paid him the traditional Sallah Homage at the Government House, said that out of the amount, over N3 billion was for salaries of state government workers, N2.5 billion for primary school teachers and N1.5 billion for local council workers.
Abubakar said in spite of the high wage bill and current dwindling revenue, the government has not relented in paying the workers as at when due.
“I want to inform his Royal Highness, the Emir that despite the economic recession in the country, the state government does not owe workers a single Kobo as at today.
“It is our stance that payment of salary is an obligation to any serious government, hence our decision to ensure that workers are paid as at when due.”
The acting governor said the administration was also determined to complete all ongoing major projects initiated by the immediate past administration.
“It is our intention to complete all the ongoing projects which have direct impact on the lives of our people.”
He added that the administration had initiated new projects to enhance the living condition of residents.
Professor Hafiz Abubakar listed the projects to include the construction of Madobi under-path, and rehabilitation of Sabon Gari, Court Road, Kings Road and Rijiyar Zaki road among others.
He also assured: “In fact we are trying to ensure that we fulfill our campaign promises in order to improve the living standard of our people.”
Earlier, the Emir of Kano, expressed delight on the government’s effort to provide necessary infrastructure for the socio-economic development of the state even as he advised the Federal Government to seek the advice of economic experts in tackling current economic crisis in the country.
Sanusi said that consulting the experts would help in enunciating proper solution to the crisis and reduce the hardship people were currently facing in the country.
The emir, who is a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria urged wealthy Nigerians to support the less-privileged in the society in order to alleviate their sufferings.
He added that Nigerians, irrespective of religious beliefs and political inclinations, should continue to pray for economic growth and development of the country.
He also urged the people of Kano to remain law-abiding and be their brother’s keeper irrespective of religion or ethnic background.
Sanusi appealed to the state government to help the people to acquire skills that would make them self-reliant.
The Emir advised his subjects to support the government with ceaseless prayer to enable it deliver full democratic dividend to them.
The traditional Sallah homage popularly known as ‘Hawan Nasarawa’, was attended by traditional rulers from across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.
The occasion was also graced by prominent personalities including politicians, top government functionaries, members of the Diplomatic Corps and business. [myad]
