COVID-19: Public servants in Kaduna decry 25% salary cut

Public servants in Kaduna state on Wednesday decried the 25 per cut on their monthly salaries by government following the challenges on the state’s revenue caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Some of the public servants in separate interviews, said that the salary cut would cause major setbacks for them and affect the well-being of their families negatively.

They appealed to the the state government to rethink its decision, saying that their salaries cannot take them home.

It would be recalled that the Kaduna state government had effected a 25 per cent and 50 per cent cut on salaries of public servants and political appointees respectively.

The state government said the measure was to contain COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

Mrs. Elizabeth Ambi, a civil servant residing on Kigo Road, said she found out that she had nothing to fall back on when she received her April salary.

“I am servicing a loan; besides, I make a monthly contribution. So, as it is, I don’t have enough to cater for my household as a result of the deduction.

“The situation is pathetic and I urge government to as a matter of urgency, have a change of mind and reverse the decision,” she said.

According to her, other public servants elsewhere are given palliatives to cushion the effects of lockdown and accused the state government of compounding workers’ problems.

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Mallam Habibu Ibrahim, an educationist resident at Unguwan Rimi, said the state government should leave up to its expectation of ensuring the well-being of the masses.

“Workers should not be subjected to compulsory contribution through their monthly salaries.

“The case would be understood in the case of political appointees because their remuneration is quite different from ours.

“I hope the NLC will wake up to its responsibility and engage government on the matter,” he said.

Also, Mrs. Larai Stephen said the notice came suddenly and workers were not given time to adjust their budgets.

“The decision to cut workers’ salaries was rather irrational because some workers were not aware of such a plan by government.

“If workers were given, say, a month’s notice, they would have planned, based on what they will expect at the end of the month,” she said.