By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

Political office holders in Edo State are to have their allowances immediately stopped as the state government strives to end the non-payment of workers’ salaries, particularly at the local government level.

Governor Adams Oshiomhole made this known at the end of a meeting between the state, local government chairmen and organised labour.

According to the governor, in addition to measures to block leakages of funds, the state has agreed that security allowances, payments to contractors, payments for overhead and allowances to political office holders, including local government chairmen and councillors, would immediately cease while local governments were directed to put a hold on the employment of casual staff.

“Let both the leader and the workers starve together so they can feel the pain of the workers. You cannot be eating when other workers are starving,” Oshiomhole said, ruling out a bailout for the local government. He however said he was ready to work and ensure that workers get their salaries in the nest one month.