A group operating under Benue People of Conscience (B-POC), Sunday, described calls by some persons on the federal government not to allow Benue access N41.39 billion approved by the House of Assembly for payment of workers’ salaries as a deliberate attempt at impoverishing the people.
The group also said though the calls may also be targeted at painting Governor Samuel Ortom black and discrediting him, they are invariably hurting the state workers and pensioners who will be beneficiaries of the loan.
A statement signed by the chairman of the group, John Orshi and secretary, Tersoo Iorbee, said since the federal government is also borrowing to cater for its needs, it will be unfair for anyone to dissuade the federal government from allowing Benue or any other state in the federation for doing same.
The group noted that the dwindling economic situation in the country is what has caused states, not only Benue, to look the other way, including borrowing, to carter for their needs.
According to the group, as it stands in the country today, there is just slightly above $376,000 in the Excess Crude Account as against $2.2 billion inherited by the Muhammadu Buhari administration from Goodluck Jonathan about 8 years ago.
The group further noted that even as at today, the country is generating about N1.6 trillion, monthly while it is spending about N1.9 trillion to service debts, a situation which signified that the balance of N300 billion is being borrowed to service debts.
“Recently, we read with dismay reasons advanced by persons, as to why the Federal Government should not allow the Benue State Government to access a loan facility of N41.39 billion approved by the Benue State House of Assembly to pay pensions and workers’ emoluments.
“We have seen other theatrics that have played out as part of efforts to frustrate the State Government on other issues as well, however, we would like to state facts and let the people know that very soon, it would be near impossible for most State Governments in the country, including Benue to pay workers’ salaries without borrowing.
“The situation where some persons would want to glorify the Federal Government and make it look like they are doing well without borrowing is sycophancy of the highest order.”
Those asking FG to stop Benue from borrowing N41.39bn hurting workers – Group
