Benue citizen urges Gov Alia to pay reinstated 2011 local government staff

A concerned citizen of Benue State has written an open letter to Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, urging immediate action to ensure the reinstated 2011 set of Local Government staff are placed on the state payroll.

The letter recalls that in 2016, these workers were removed from the payroll by the administration of former Governor Samuel Ortom, without formal termination of their appointments. Their employment was restored in October last year by Governor Alia’s administration, an act described in the letter as a “singular act of fairness” that rekindled hope and trust among the affected staff and the wider public.

However, the letter notes that despite the reinstatement, the commencement of monthly salary payments remains pending, causing hardship for the staff and their families. It also highlights the staff’s gesture of forgoing accumulated salary arrears spanning nearly a decade, demonstrating their commitment to public service and willingness to facilitate smooth reintegration.

The letter reads below;

Your Excellency,

This open letter is respectfully addressed to you, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, on a matter of urgent public importance concerning the reinstated 2011 set of Local Government staff. We write with hope and confidence in your well-known sense of justice and compassion.

It will be recalled that in 2016, these dedicated workers were unjustly removed from the payroll by the previous administration of Samuel Ortom, without formal termination of their appointments. After enduring years of hardship, uncertainty, and economic deprivation, your administration courageously restored their employment status in October last year. This singular act of fairness rekindled hope and renewed trust in governance among the affected staff and the wider public.

However, despite their reinstatement, a major challenge remains: the commencement of their monthly salary payments. We wish to respectfully inform Your Excellency that these workers, in the spirit of patriotism, cooperation, and sacrifice, have willingly agreed to forgo their accumulated salary arrears spanning nearly a decade, in order to facilitate their smooth and speedy reintegration into service. This gesture reflects their deep commitment to the service of Benue State and their belief in your leadership.

Your Excellency, the continued delay in placing these reinstated staff on the payroll has subjected them and their families to severe hardship. Many struggle daily to meet basic needs, despite their readiness and willingness to work and contribute meaningfully to the development of our Local Governments and the state at large.

We therefore humbly appeal for your personal intervention to ensure the immediate inclusion of these reinstated workers on the payroll. This action will:

Provide much-needed relief to the affected staff and their families.

Boost morale and reinforce confidence in government’s commitment to fairness and justice.

Enable the smooth and effective reintegration of these employees into their respective roles.

Reaffirm the credibility of government promises and strengthen public trust.

While we acknowledge the financial challenges faced by the state, we firmly believe that the payment of these salaries is both a moral obligation and a vital investment in human dignity, productivity, and social stability.

Your Excellency, we appeal to your compassion, your sense of justice, and your dedication to good governance. We trust that you will accord this matter urgent attention and take decisive steps toward resolving it promptly.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of our highest esteem as we await your favourable response.

Respectfully,
A Concerned Citizen of Benue