By Emmanuel Awari
Newly screened members of the Taraba State Local Government Pension Board have been urged to collaborate and revitalize the operations of the state’s 16 local government areas.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Diah, made the call during the screening exercise at the State House of Assembly complex in Jalingo.
Addressing the nominees, Diah emphasized the need for fairness in salary administration across the local governments.
“In some local governments, staff at Grade Level 14 are not being paid according to their grade, receiving less than their entitled salary. This must be corrected,” he said.
Diah expressed confidence in the capabilities of the Board’s chairman, Senator Dahiru Bako, and its members, highlighting their extensive experience.
He commended Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas for nominating individuals well-suited for the task and confirmed that their credentials demonstrated their readiness to assume their roles.
“We have concluded the screening of the Chairman and members of the Local Government Pension Board executive nominees,” Diah stated.
“Our report will now be submitted to the State House of Assembly, which will make the final decision. Based on our evaluation, they are qualified and capable of justifying the trust placed in them by Governor Kefas.”
In his remarks, Senator Dahiru Bako thanked Governor Kefas for the opportunity to serve and praised the lawmakers for conducting a professional and cordial screening process.
“We will ensure that the local government system remains functional and effective,” Bako pledged. “Our team is committed to driving meaningful reforms and delivering on our mandate.”
Bako outlined his vision for the Board, focusing on addressing recruitment, promotions, disenchantment, and retirements within the local governments. He promised to resolve existing challenges to improve efficiency and productivity.
“If local government staff are paid appropriately according to their grade levels and schedules, it will significantly enhance the functionality of local governments,” Bako said.
The Chairman assured stakeholders that under his leadership, the Board would implement adjustments to restore the integrity of the local government system.
“Governor Agbu Kefas has entrusted me with this responsibility, and I will ensure that the local government system does not collapse but thrives,” he added.