*Says no plans to sack sweepers
By JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Worried by controversy surrounding the claims and counter claims of outstanding payment of street sweepers allowance, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed immediate settlement of the casual workers.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa and made available to journalists in Kano yesterday.
Subsequently, Governor Yusuf directed the Ministry of Environment and Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB) to ensure clearance of all outstanding allowances of the sweepers inherited from the previous administration.
Besides, the governor dispelled the rumors insinuating government plan to sack the street sweepers inherited from the previous administration, adding that he has no intention to deny the casual workers the right to earn a living.
Alhaji Yusuf who gave the directive on Sunday during a meeting with the representatives of the sweepers at the Government House, expressed dissatisfaction why delay the payment of the outstanding still being withheld after his approval.
According to him, ” Let me make this clear. I have not and I will not direct the sacking of any one of you here for any reaso. Instead we have recruited more workers so that our environment will remain clean and tidy. As good citizens of the state what benefit will I enjoy sacking you from your what is earning you daily bread”.
” This meeting became imperative considering the constant outcry and unpalatable brief I have received over the non-payment of your allowance. I want to assure you that you will receive your stipend as soon as possible. We have identifying where the problem is as well as bringing the problem to an end”.
While appreciating their patience and dedication to duties, he urged them to continue to reciprocate the kind gesture of the government by being trustworthy and hardworking, saying that a neighborhood posting will be encouraged so that they will not be far away from their domains.
Governor Yusuf therefore, disclosed the plan of his administration for the purchase of skid loaders (bucket lifters) to ease the evacuation of refuse not only from the streets but also from across the nooks and crannies of the state.
