As part of measures to implement reforms in the state civil service commission by preventing ghost workers and fraud, the Bayelsa state government has withheld the salaries of four thousand two hundred and four suspected payroll fraudsters.

This is coming after series of counter accusation between leaders in the state who had blamed the state government verification exercise.

Briefing newsmen, security agents and members of the state executives, the Bayelsa state governor who was represented by his deputy, Rear Admiral John Jonah retired, spoke on the sharp practices.

Speaking on the consequences, he advised those involved to clear their names with the civil service commission.

It will be recalled that the Bayelsa state governor, Seriake Dickson had blamed the inability to pay the full salaries of local government staff on payroll fraudsters, promising to bring them to book for prosecution.

Report by Dele  Fasan