BY PHILIP EKE, YENAGOA

The Bayelsa State Government on Tuesday constituted a committee to study the findings and recommendations contained in the reports submitted by the chairmen of the verification exercise for the 8 local government councils and rural development authorities.

The Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John Jonah (retired) announced the constitution of the committee headed by the commissioner for Local Government Administration, Hon. Mrs. Agatha Goma.

Speaking at the Monthly Transparency Briefing at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the Deputy Governor urged the committee to swing into action immediately, as it has one week to submit its report to enable the government commence payment of salaries of council workers.

According to him, the committee is expected to determine the outstanding salaries, come up with payment formula, as well as monthly vouchers, since funds available to the local government areas from the federation account vary.

Commending the verification teams for their hard work and dedication, Rear Admiral Jonah described the reports as elaborate, assured that, the government would ensure the implementation of their recommendations, as it would bring about a reduction in its recurrent expenditure.

Secretary of the committee is the Special Adviser to the Governor Local Government Matters, Mr. Robinson Etolor, while members include representatives of the State Chapter of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Accountant General’s office, Office of the Special Adviser on Treasury, Revenue and Accounts.

In their separate presentations, chairmen of the 8 Local Government Verification Committees, identified disregard for public service rules and regulations, over-bloated nominal rolls, employment of under aged persons, false declaration of age, the large number of senior staff and absenteeism as some of the major problems affecting the under-development of the local government areas.

Chief Thompson Okorotie, presented the report for Ekeremor, Senator Nimi Barigha Amange –Nembe, Senator John Brambaifa-Sagbama, Senator Inatimi Rufus Spiff-Brass, Mr. Bright Yougha-Kolokuma/Opokuma, Chief Lambert Ototo-Yenagoa and Barr. Peter Ebutu, who represented Chief Claudius Enegesi for Ogbia.