Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has vowed to punish government officials who tempered with the Sallah gift approved for the workers.
The governor had approved N30,000 as a Sallah gift for each worker under the state and local government employ, including teachers.
However, it was alleged that, some of the workers, especially at the local government areas, were not given up to that amount.
“Some were given N19,000, some received N20,000 and there are some who are yet to receive their own,” one of the affected workers told Daily Trust.
Addressing a mammoth crowd of well-wishers and supporters at the Government House, Sokoto at the weekend, the governor warned the officials behind the diversion to immediately return the money or face a serious consequence.
“I wonder how somebody would deny our workers the stipend we gave them in order to make them financially stable during the Sallah festive season.
“Those who diverted those funds must return them immediately or else we will take serious punitive measures against them.
“We will ensure that the culprits reap what they sowed to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.
Governor Aliyu, therefore, charged all heads of agencies where such diversions were perpetrated to hasten the compilation of all the affected workers and ensure that they are refunded.
He also assured the people of the state of his administration’s determination to ensure accountability, transparency and the prudent management of public funds for the good of all.
“This administration is all out to ensure zero-tolerance for corruption and all corrupt tendencies. So, if anybody thinks he can loot public funds and gets away with it then, he must be sick.
“This administration is a true reflection of the government of the people, for the people and indeed by the people. So, we have a huge task ahead of us that we must carry out diligently without minding whose ox is gored,” Aliyu added.
The governor further called on the people of the state to continue to rally round the present administration in its quest to deliver on its campaign promises.
The governor also thanked the APC leader in the state, Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, for his “fatherly role and guidance” to the present leadership in the state.
He also thanked the entire people of the state for their support and prayers to the present administration.
