Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State in the inter-denominational valedictory service which held on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi apologized over his inability to pay workers salaries in the state for many months.
The governor also regretted his inability to deliver his good intention towards the state in general due to the seemingly insurmountable problems ailing the nation’s economy. He asked the forgiveness of the civil servants in the state.
He said, “Please forgive me for my inability to meet up with your expectations as the governor of Benue State.
“But always remember that I had good intentions for civil servants in the state as shown in the 100 per cent salary increment I approved when I took over in 2007.
“It is not my making to owe staff salaries but due to the economic challenges in the country, I have no option but to leave behind a lot of challenges for the new government.
“However, when the new governor takes over, you will clearly understand that the financial challenge does not end with me.”
The governor again begged forgiveness from members of his family for decisions he might have taken against their will emphasizing that they were necessary in the discharge of his duties as governor. He thanked the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he first became an honourable member of the House of Representatives and then as Governor of Benue State, for the platform the party afforded his to actualize his ambition.
He commended his deputy, the state legislature, judiciary and government house staff for their cooperation, loyalty and support all through his tenure as state governor. In his party’s (PDP) defence, he said that they did not lose the elections due to bad leadership as he had seen in many media publications but that the party loss was only natural as a party that had ruled for sixteen years needed time to rest and refresh.
