The Federal High Court, Abuja division, presided over by Justice Iyang Ekwo, has ordered that the Benue State government’s payroll account be unfrozen as a result of the state’s failure to pay its employees’ wages.
The judge approved the state government’s request for relief, arguing that the court’s interim injunction prevented it from paying its employees’ salaries.
The unfrozen pay accounts are held by Fidelity Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA), and Access Bank Plc.
He directed that the order be followed within 14 days, following which another order refreezing the accounts would be issued if the parties fail to address the situation.
Terkura Pepe (SAN), counsel to the state government, moved an application for leasing of salary accounts and a confirming affidavit on Friday, prompting Justice Ekwo to issue the decision.
Mr Pepe informed the court that the application had been submitted, and he then asked the court to grant the state government’s requested relief.
The judge who granted the relief sought by the state government, and directed them to engage AMCON with a view to resolving the matter.
He adjourned the matter till November 22.
Freelanews is the editorial byline of Freelanews.com, used for staff reports, news updates, press releases, and collaborative stories produced by the Freelanews Editorial Team.
