Ondo state Governor Rotimi Akeredolu claimed his administration has kept its commitment not to overdue workers’ pay in the state.
According to Akeredolu, the state government has already paid up through November 2022, and the December wage was delayed on the suggestion of Labour leaders to allow workers to meet new year financial responsibilities.
He made the remarks during the annual prayer meeting with public servants held in Akure, the state capital, on the first working day of the year.
The governor promised that the December salary will be paid shortly, as well as the one month remaining from the inherited seven months’ wage arrears, before the conclusion of his mandate.
“As you are aware, you received three notifications in December. We paid for the months of October and November 2022. You were also given a leave bonus.
“We would have paid December but the Labour leaders urged that we defer payment till January to allow you to meet financial responsibilities. Students will return to class soon. We will cover the tuition.
“We also inherited seven months’ salary arrears, of which we paid six. I’ll pay the last one before I leave office.” He stated.
He emphasized that his government would continue to prioritize the Public Service’s well-being in the face of competing demands from other segments of the State.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving people’s lives and keeping promises.
Akeredolu praised all state employees for their collaboration, particularly organized labor for their patience.
He noted that without the workforce’s commitment, his administration would not have accomplished the minor successes in its policy drive.
In the General Elections of 2023, the Governor urged civil servants and the general public to follow the regulations when using their voting rights.
“I’ll say it again: public officials are not supposed to get involved in party politics. The service’s watchword should be absolute loyalty and commitment.
“Once again, political dialogue should be civil, with decorum, and in accordance with the law. You’ll notice that our administration has shielded the bureaucracy from partisanship.
Earlier in his welcome message, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, said that 8,415 Public Servants across the State have been promoted with financial perks for 2022.
Comrade Oluwole Sunday-Adeleye, the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), stated that the governor had paid 76 months’ wages in the 70 months and one week of his administration.
“Let me say this plainly with every pride in me, on behalf of Ondo State employees, that Arakunrin Akeredolu has spent 70 months and one week as the Governor of Ondo State, and he has paid 76 months’ salaries,” Adeleye added.
