Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue says his administration inherited over N359 billion in salary arrears over several years from his predecessor.

The governor stated this at Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area, on Monday during a thank-you tour of  Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency.

Mr Alia alleged that previous administrations in the state lied to the people that the federal government denied them funds to pay salaries.

The governor promised that his administration would continue prioritising the payment of workers’ salaries.

“Henceforth, civil servants in the state will be paid from 22nd of every month,“ he said.

He thanked the people for their confidence in him to lead the state and promised to revive the Igumale Cement Factory and construct access roads in the area.

“Okpoga is in darkness; I will light it up with 5,000 kw of electricity. I have come to reduce your pain and suffering,“ he said.

He urged them to continue to support his administration and be patient with President Bola Tinubu, as he has good policies for Nigerians.

Earlier, Daniel Onjeh, a former senatorial candidate under the All Progressives Congress ( APC), urged the governor to match words with action by fulfilling his campaign promises.

Mr Onjeh said the opposition parties were mocking the people that the governor had abandoned them in terms of infrastructure and appointments.

‘The opposition is asking what you have done for Benue South. We want to see things manifest. Do not be distracted by the blackmail of the opposition,” he said.

Benjamin Omakolon, the acting chairman of the APC, while receiving 500 persons who defected from the opposition parties to the APC at the event, promised them equal treatment.

(NAN)