The Kogi State government yesterday pleaded with the state workforce to be patient with it adding that it has not been able to access the Workers Salaries Assistance Bailout Loan approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner of Finance, Alfa Zakari on Monday. The government sympathised with workers, especially local government workers while also commending them for their patience on the issue of salaries.

It noted that workers in Kogi State have shown understanding for a long time and urged them not to lose their patience yet, especially now that solutions are around the corner.

Against the backdrop of recent protests by workers in Kogi local governments alleging government’s failure to pay their outstanding salaries despite the fact that the administration of Captain Idris Wada was in possession of the bailout money, the commissioner said the allegation was based on mere assumptions, as Kogi and three other states were yet to access the loans.

It warned against politicising the issue and cautioned against instantaneous protests as they could be hijacked by fifth columnists to destabilise the peaceful nature of the state.

The statement reads in part, “As at Thursday, September 17, 2015, what the CBN Governor said is that 18 states have accessed the money, four other states are being processed. And these states are Oyo, Delta, Kogi and Benue. So, as it is now, we have not been paid. The Honourable Commissioner for Finance and the State Deputy Governor are in Abuja permanently, more or less. They are in Abuja for the monthly NEC meeting for the Federal Allocations Committee meeting but simultaneously, they are linking up with the CBN to facilitate the release of the Workers’ Salaries Assistance Bailout Loan.

“The government appreciates the patience of the workers but reassures that on receipt of the money, no delay whatsoever will occur in making sure that all the outstandings are paid.