The attention of the Akwa Ibom State
Government has been drawn to the story that appeared on the front page of The
Sun newspaper today (November 15, 2016,) and other publications with
the caption: 33 States can’t pay salaries” and attributed to BudgIT- a data
sampling civic organization.
Ordinarily, we would have dismissed the
report and analysis as representing the immortal words of ex-President of
the United States, George H. Bush, who in describing the economic policy as
enunciated by his then opponent for the nomination as the Republican Party
Presidential Candidate in 1980, -Ronald Reagan had dismissed the whole plan as
“Voodoo Economics”.
There is no doubt that the conclusions
reached by BudgIT, is nothing but voodoo analysis or how else would any
rational and intellectually astute organization place Akwa Ibom State “last on
the table of inability to meet monthly recurrent expenditure commitments”.
It bears repeating here that, Akwa Ibom
State is one of the few states where workers are paid regularly and on time.
Governor Udom Emmanuel has stated in so many fora and platforms that he cannot
sleep and will not sleep well, if workers are owed salary. He has not only paid
their salaries, but has gone ahead to pay their 2016 leave allowance, as
well as their pensions.
In spite of the challenging economic
times we are currently experiencing, Governor Udom Emmanuel is embarking on
many life touching projects- projects that align with his campaign promise to
alleviate poverty and ensure wealth creation.
It is spurious and curious for an
organization that may pass itself off, as a credible organization to come up
with such a flawed analysis. No wonder the famed CEO of Financial Derivatives
Limited, Bismarck Rewane dismissed the analysis and starting that
he has ”doubts about this report” maintaining that report is
“”inaccurate”.
Governor Udom Emmaniel is working hard
to fulfil his campaign promises and he will not be distracted by reports
that are not based on facts.
Signed:
Ekerete Udoh
Chief Press Secretary
Tags
Politics