By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa — Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State, yesterday, said despite the decline in federal allocation, his administration will continue to give priority to the welfare and well-being of its workforce.

Dickson in a statement in Yenagoa, said that though the federal allocation to the state had dropped by about 40 per cent, the salaries, allowances and other entitlements of civil servants will always be given priority.

He explained that the current monthly salary obligation for civil servants stands at about N4 billion, adding  that his administration will ensure that all legitimate entitlements due civil servants, including the 18 per cent salary arrears were paid to all affected staff.

“There are so many state governments that have not been able to meet the salary obligations of their civil servants. This is a lesson for us in Bayelsa, particularly people in the public service that, they are the main stakeholders in government.”