: The swift implementation of N70,000 minimum wage by the Zamfara State government has been commended as the right move to bring greater financial stability, improved service delivery and a better standard of living for all government employees,

The Coalition of Rescue Support Groups in Zamfara State in a statement said the action by Governor Dauda Lawal, shows the Governor`s commitment to workers welfare and building a civil service that is transparent, efficient and fair.

Signed by the State Coordinator of the coalition, Alhaji Rufai Ahmed Gusau, the statement observes that the increase in minimum wage in the state “is the first time since the state was created on 1st October 1996, and serves as a departure from the vicious cycle of salary bondage imposed on workers by previous administrations in the state.”

The coalition also applauded the Governor for taking a bold step in “cleansing the civil service payroll of fraudulent practices, ensuring that hardworking and genuine employees are recognised and rewarded.

“Today, Zamfara State has 28,273 workers verified and cleared, while 2,363 ghost workers who were illegally receiving a total of ₦193,642,097.19 monthly have been removed from the payroll.

“This has saved the state the sum of ₦200 million that will now be deployed to make Zamfara State great and prosperous again.

“Indeed, the governor’s “Rescue Mission ‘ campaign, now government slogan, is an eloquent testimony of his political sagacity and administrative acumen in salvaging Zamfara from political hirelings and reactionary forces that have impeded its development.

With improved security and economic activities, Zamfara people now enjoy the dividends of democracy and good governance. This is what democracy is all about.”

While passing a vote of confidence on him, Alhaji Gusau commended what he described as “pragmatic, progressive, resourceful and purposeful leadership,” exhibited by the state executive.

This is as he urged citizens to support the administration in fostering unity, security, prosperity and infrastructural development, calling for collective efforts to build a better Zamfara State.

“We further urge all workers, union leaders, opposition parties and the good people of Zamfara to stand with the government in this unprecedented journey of reform, progress, development and advancement.

It is a new dawn and a better future for the good people of Zamfara State,” Gusau concluded.