The Accountant General of the Federal, Idris has assured that the members Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) FCT, would get their salary on or before May 22, 2020. The AGF stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the House of Representatives, Ministers of Health and FCT and members of JOHESU FCT chapter, to resolve the issues surrounding the delays in the payment of salary of some health workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The issues were resolved at a meeting, on Wednesday, between the leadership of the House, led by Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, and the Minister of the FCT Mohammed Musa Bello, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris and officials of JOHESU, led by their chairperson in the FCT, Comrade Deborah Yusuf, among others.
In his remarks Speaker Gbajabiamila, expressed dismay that some health workers in the FCT, who have been at the frontline of the fight against COVID-19, did not receive their salary and allowances since January. The Speaker, who said he considered the meeting extremely important because there is the potential that lives are at risk, noted that the House would not fold its arms and watch the health workers embark on strike, as they threatened to, on May 28.
According to him, from the information at his disposal, the issues had to do with the office of the Accountant General of the Federation, saying equity and diligence must be adhered to in dealing with such issues. He commended the health workers for their sacrifices and patience over the past few months and assured that the House would always prioritize their welfare.
Speaking, FCT Minister, Bello, who appreciated the Speaker for his intervention, explained the FCT Administration had always paid salaries as and when due, but that with the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), they have been experiencing some hiccups.
