Ghost workers: Niger govt screens 4,000 political appointees

The Niger State government has disclosed that the ongoing screening exercise for political appointees in the state is compulsory, adding that “about 4,000 are genuine, and only those who scale through will be paid their salaries.”

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Binta Mamman, the government said the exercise is for proper documentation.

It should be noted that some appointees protested a few days ago due to the delay in the payment of their September salaries at the government house.

Accordingly, the Commissioner for Information, in a statement said: “Our attention was drawn to some unscrupulous elements who forged political appointment letters, thereby causing the government to pay those who are not genuine appointees of the government.

“We assure you that the screening exercise is ongoing to enable the government to identify the real beneficiaries.”

According to her, the government only gave letters to about 4,000 political appointees of different cadres, ranging from Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Coordinators, Special Assistants, and others.

She added: “This was done to have an all-inclusive government, to bring everyone on board to reduce the rate of unemployment and give the people a sense of belonging. Unfortunately, some bad actors went ahead to cause an unnecessary scene by forging appointment letters.”

Rueing the heavy salaries amounting to over N600 million, Hon. Mamman stressed that the Niger State government has decided to identify the real appointees, noting that the screening is the only way to checkmate the situation, “so as to reduce the expenses and burden on the government. In this way, funds can be channelled to other very important areas in the system.”

Furthermore, she explained that the Governor, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, has good intentions with the idea of inclusivity and a deliberate attempt to bring everyone on board.

“We cannot do otherwise than to look inward and flush out those parading themselves with fake appointments as being part of the system.

“The screening is still ongoing, and all genuine appointees must appear before the committee. Those parading themselves with forged appointments will be flushed out.”

She further urged the appointees to cooperate with the committee handling the exercise so that it will be seamless. “At the end of the day, everyone will go back smiling immediately after the documentation is done, because those who are genuine will get their salaries paid,” she added.