Niger State Halts Salary Payment as fraudsters forge appointment letters

Niger State Government Issues Warning Over Fraudulent Appointment Letters

The Niger State Government has alerted the public regarding a recent surge in fraudulent activities, with suspected fraudsters reportedly forging political appointment letters. This has led to the illegal employment of individuals who are now receiving salaries from the state government.

According to reports from Arewa PUNCH, the fraudulent activities in Niger state have contributed to a delay in the disbursement of September salaries to legitimate appointees. In response to this issue, Binta Mamman, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, announced the implementation of a mandatory screening process aimed at identifying and eliminating these impostors from the payroll.

In a statement released to the press, Mamman highlighted the seriousness of the situation, stating, “Our attention has been drawn to the actions of some unscrupulous individuals who have forged political appointment letters, thereby causing the government to pay salaries to those who are not legitimate appointees.”

She reassured citizens that the screening process is currently underway, allowing the government to determine the rightful beneficiaries of salaries.

“For the record, the government has issued appointment letters to approximately 4,000 political appointees across various positions, including Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Coordinators, and Special Assistants. This initiative was aimed at fostering an inclusive government, addressing unemployment, and instilling a sense of belonging among the populace. Unfortunately, a few bad actors have undermined this effort by producing counterfeit appointment letters,” Mamman lamented.

The Commissioner also addressed concerns over the state’s salary obligations, which have now exceeded N600 million, asserting that the government is committed to identifying legitimate appointees to cut down on expenses and alleviate financial burdens. This approach, she noted, would redirect funds towards other crucial areas in the state.

Mamman emphasized that Governor Bago is dedicated to creating an inclusive government and a collective effort to involve all citizens. However, she underscored the necessity of an internal review to eliminate those fraudulently claiming affiliation with the state.

“The screening is ongoing, and all verified appointees must present themselves before the committee. Those found to be using forged documents will be removed,” she stated.

The Commissioner urged all appointees to cooperate fully with the designated committee to ensure a smooth process, assuring them that once the documentation is completed, genuine appointees will receive their delayed salaries promptly. “At the end of the day, everyone will be pleased once the verification is finalized, as the legitimate appointees will be compensated,” she concluded.