Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule has urged Directors of Personnel Management (DPMs) of the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) to prioritise payment of staff salaries.
Sule stated this in Lafia on Monday during his maiden meeting with the DPMs who took over from elected LGA chairmen on May 28, following the expiration of their three-year tenure.
The governor advised the DPMs to be prudent in managing the affairs of their respective local councils in order be able to offset outstanding pension and salaries of workers.
He urged the directors to see their new positions as opportunity to contribute towards the development of the third tier of government.
He noted that the DPMs were integral part of the system and better positioned to ensure the development of the local government.
“Those of you owing two months as well as 22 per cent of last month’s salary, should be able to offset the 22 per cent from your first savings.
“Those owing only one month can offset from first savings and carryout some projects that will have direct impact on the community,” Sule said.
Sule also urged the directors to pay the out gone council officials their one month outstanding salary and warned against victimisation.
The governor added that government had put machinery in place to check abuse of office by the DPMs.