"We will carry out full verification to ascertain the number of workers we have at the state and local government levels.''

Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State, on Monday said that the government would undertake a verification of all workers on the payroll of the state and local governments.

Tambuwal announced this when he received the National President of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE, Mr Ibrahim Khalil, in Sokoto.

The governor was quoted in a statement by his media aide, Imam Imam, as saying that the exercise was "to reposition the civil service.''

"We will carry out full verification to ascertain the number of workers we have at the state and local government levels.''

The governor said that the exercise would also end "the culture of truancy especially at LGAs where workers go to work late and in some instances, they don't go at all.''

Tambuwal restated his support for full autonomy of local councils and urged NULGE to sustain its campaign to ensure amendment to the relevant sections of the Constitution.

"This is to bring government closer to the people and ensure massive development at the grassroots level.

"These aims can only be achieved if the local governments enjoy autonomy in sourcing for finances and in their expenditure.

"My position on local government autonomy is well known, I am in full support of it.

"Your union should intensify lobby especially at the National Assembly, this is to see to the realisation of the objective.

"As you do that, know that in Sokoto you have a friend in the struggle," the governor said.

Earlier in his remarks, the NULGE President appealed to Tambuwal to restructure the state Local Government Service Commission to enhance efficiency and ensure timely remittance of all monies meant for the union.

Khaleel commended Tambuwal for his efforts to revive the fortunes of local government administration in the state. 

Source: Pulse