Date: 2017-05-10

As tenure of serving Transition Implementation Committee (TIC) winds to an end, the chairman of Forum of TIC chairmen, Alhaji Isiaka Danmairomo has broken silence over inability of local councils to deliver on their.

Recall that the TICs were constituted by the Kwara State government on the 15th November, 2016 with mandate to clear backlog of arrears of local government workers

But speaking with Pilot Politics yesterday, the Ilorin South chairman blamed failure to offset salary backlogs to dwindling federal allocations. According to him, "The state government brought us on board for a purpose, but it is a pity because the purpose could not be fulfilled in totality, and we can't blame the situation on the present administration in the state.

"The government is committed to offsetting backlogs of arrears, but paucity of fund has handicapped local councils. The allocation has been fluctuation over time. That is why the salary payment has been on percentage. What government had in plan has not been actualised."

The council boss also stressed that what local governments across the state are owing differs, adding that some councils are owing workers between 6 to 8 months.

He, however, added that state government is being transparent with allocation to the state by incorporating all labour unions in the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meetings, which holds regularly.

"People should appreciate government of the day for method of transparency deployed, there shouldn't be need for any complaint. We need to acknowledge that government is doing very well," he noted.

Speaking on why the state government cannot conduct local government election in the state, Danmairomo, said money for election could be injected into meaningful projects for benefit of the state.

He stated further that payment of salary of local government workers across the 16 councils is sacrosanct, adding that the state government is uncomfortable as backlogs arrears remain uncleared.

"If such money (for election) is available, why can't we use it to pay salary, with this, many people will reason with government, but unfortunately, such fund is not available," Danmairomo said.

He also cleared the air over the speculated planned institution of sole administrators to run affairs of the councils by the state government, saying such is unconstitutional.

According to him, government is looking at extending tenure of TIC chairmen and not putting in place sole administrators.

"I think government is thinking of extending the tenure of the TIC, that is what the law allows, I don't believe it will put in place sole administrators, he stressed.