Ebonyi Local Government Chairman Uncovers ‘Ghost Workers’ Who Died in 2009 but Still Receive Salaries
The Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Ebonyi State, Chinedu Uburu, has revealed a startling discovery—individuals who passed away as far back as 2009 are still listed as active employees and receiving salaries from the state’s local government payroll.
Uburu made this revelation during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ebonyi chapter, led by its chairman, Samson Nwafor, in Abakaliki. He explained that the irregularities were uncovered during an ongoing verification exercise across local government areas in the state.
Expressing concern over the financial strain on local government administrations, Uburu cited the federal government’s recent minimum wage increase as a key challenge. He urged workers who are yet to receive their salaries to be patient, assuring them that the verification process aims to ensure transparency and efficiency, rather than target genuine employees.
Commending the NUJ’s commitment to professionalism, Uburu acknowledged the media’s crucial role in providing accurate information to the public. In response, Nwafor reaffirmed the union’s dedication to fostering a constructive relationship between journalists and the government.
Nwafor emphasized that journalism should not be about antagonizing the government but rather supporting developmental efforts, offering constructive criticism when needed, and ensuring the progress of the state. He assured ALGON of the NUJ’s continued collaboration in promoting good governance and accountability.
