Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Nsikan Linus Nkan has confi rmed that Akwa Ibom State government received N10 billion in the second trench of the Paris Club Refund same as it received December. Speaking at a media briefi ng yesterday, the Commissioner said the funds, which he noted is barely enough to settle indebtedness and commitment of government, would be used to settle payment of salaries, pension arrears, arrears of gratuities and probably deferring some debt owed to contractors.
“Th e Governor has given direction that we use the funds to pay salaries and to the extent that it can cover, also pay pensions,” he said. While admitting that there is pressure from various quarters, however gave assurances that government would direct so that all parties would be touched. Shedding light on the fi rst Refund of N14.5billion, the Commissioner said that the State House of Assembly had captured it as strategic revenue for 2017 and was properly appropriated for. Th e Finance boss noted that application of the Paris Fund has already been stipulated by the Federal Government where it is meant to be used to settle arrears of salaries and pensions
