Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State has approved the constitution of an implementation committee to disburse the bailout funds from the federal government for payment of backlog of salaries.

This is contained in a statement signed by Director of Press and Public Affairs, Mr. Emmanuel Nanle in Jos on Wednesday.

The statement noted that the constitution of the committee was based on the approval of N5.37 billion bailout funds by the federal government.

The committee is to assiduously see to the application of the funds towards the payment of all outstanding salaries.

It said, however, that the fund from the bailout is not enough to clear the salaries, other staff entitlements and ongoing critical projects.

The statement assured that more funds would be secured under an ongoing intervention being negotiated by the state government to settle whatever is left of the staff salaries, pension, gratuities and ongoing critical contracts.

“The executive governor met with the members of Plateau State Public Service Joint Negotiating Council on September 22 to update them on the state government’s debt restructuring and issues involving the available bailout.”

The statement quoted the Gov. Lalong as thanking civil servants, serving and retired as well as citizens of the state for their patience, understanding and support.

The governor promised that he will not rest on his oars until all matters concerning salaries emoluments, ongoing critical road projects and other matters of governance are fully addressed.

Members of the committee, according to the statement are: Plateau Head of Civil Service, Huldah Fwangch as Chairman, the Accountant General and the Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Pension Matters.

Others are Permanent Secretary Local Government Service Commission, the State Chairman, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the Director General, Debt Management Office.

The statement also named the State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the State Chairman, National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and Selfa Dashe, who will serve as Secretary. (NAN)

•Photo shows Gov. Lalong