By Kingsley Fanwo

The Kogi State Government has dismissed a report that it is owing teachers over 32 billion naira, calling it a spurious attempt at discrediting the government.

Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Mike Abu said the government of Capt. Idris Wada has remained a friend of Kogi teachers.

Abu disclosed this in an exclusive chat with Vanguard in Lokoja, Tuesday, saying the figures are not true.

“As far as I know, the Wada Administration has been concerned about the welfare of teachers. What teachers take home in Kogi is far higher than what their counterparts take home in Kwara. 

“As a government that sees education as the bedrock of critical development, the Wada government has invested on education more than many states in Nigeria today. This government has no problem with the teacher who are been misrepresented by some aelf-serving leaders.

“The teachers of Kogi State are solidly behind the government and no amount of sponsored attacks will damage the solid relationship between our respected teachers and the government”, he said.

The Chief Press Secretary disclosed that the responsibility of paying teachers resides with the Local Government Councils, saying the State Government has been locked in plans to ensure arrears are cleared in the next three months.

He hailed Kogi teachers for being veritable partners in the development of the state, assuring them that government will always strive to cater for their welfare