By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN CITY—GOVERNOR Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that contrary to insinuations in many quarters, no state has got a kobo from the Federal Government as bailout fund. He spoke at a reception for the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, in Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of the state, weekend.

According to the governor, the cheering news, however, is that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries. He said: “There is some conversation going on between the Federal Government and the governors and the President has been extremely positive in recognizing that he does not want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid.

“At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the President is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you conceptualize and when you implement. For now, no government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.”

On the Inspector-General of Police who was holding a thanksgiving service on his elevation, the governor said:  “The celebrator is not just a man of history, there are many people who could become the IG by political connection, but I think he has a very unique ability.

“I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office, deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan.

‘’This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job, no matter whose ox is gored.”