The government has vehemently refuted allegations circulating on social media and leveled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that federal civil servants were yet to receive their December salaries. The PDP, through its spokesman Debo Ologunagba, accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of insensitivity and deemed the situation unacceptable, contending that it reflected a deliberate attempt to exacerbate poverty and suppress the Nigerian populace.
In response, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) swiftly debunked the claims, asserting that all federal civil servants had been paid their December salaries. Bawa Mokwa, the OAGF spokesperson, clarified in an interview with The Punch that the salary payments commenced the previous Friday, with the majority of employees receiving them by the day before yesterday. Additionally, Mokwa assured that the pending wage award for civil servants, separate from December salaries, is in the processing stage and will be disbursed “as soon as possible.”
While acknowledging recent delays in salary payments, the OAGF emphasized that such occurrences are infrequent and do not indicate systemic issues. It attributed the delayed disbursement of some November 2023 salaries in early December to technical processing glitches, assuring a prompt resolution.
President Tinubu’s administration, under scrutiny for its economic performance, faces heightened criticism from the PDP, which seizes on perceived missteps to amplify its grievances. The swift denial of the December salary delay allegations suggests the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal stability and promptly addressing public concerns.
The upcoming disbursement of the wage award remains a focal point of attention, as it represents a crucial financial boost for government employees during the festive season. The government’s handling of this and future salary payments is poised to remain a central topic in political discourse in the ensuing months, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of the administration’s economic policies and performance.
