Ondo State Government has declared that it is intensifying efforts to clear the backlog of salaries owed workers in the state, while it vowed to sustain the ongoing moves to pay pensions.
In a statement by the Information and Orientation commissioner, Mr Donald Ojogo, it said: “In line with his avowed commitment to accord the welfare of workers the importance it deserves, the Ondo state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has paid a total of 235 percent of salaries and allowances in the last two weeks.
“To this end, workers in the state did not have ‘a bleak Yuletide season’ unlike in 2016 when the immediate-past administration abandoned the state workforce in the face of excruciating economic hardship, in preference for hasty personal exit plans by principal actors in that Government.”
The statement, titled “Unlike In 2016 Under PDP, Ondo Workers’ New Year Not Bleak”, said: “This is just as Governor Akeredolu and Organised Labour have both commended workers in the State for their understanding on the issue of delayed salary payment amid efforts being intensified to clear the backlog of salaries.”
The statement thus clears the pessimism expressed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party early in December last year that workers in the state might have a bleak Christmas as government might not pay their salaries.
According to the statement: “For the records, the 235 percent represent 35 percent balance of June and 100 percent for July paid together, as well the 100 percent of August. It must be noted too, that corresponding payments of leave bonuses in three tranches were also made within this period.
“For purposes of further clarification, while the issue of payment of salary was anchored on pre-payment negotiation as a result of the debilitating global economy, certain categories of workers were exempted from the sacrifice made by the mainstream civil service, especially in respect of percentage payment.
‘Hence, workers in the Judiciary, OSOPADEC and Owena Press have received 100 percent of their salaries up till October alongside leave bonuses. In the same vein, Primary School teachers and Local Government workers have received up to 37 percent of October including leave bonus.
“While efforts being made in respect of payment of pensions will not be relaxed, it is pertinent to note that the sum of N2.4 billion was expended on the payment of pensions in 2021. This represented the sum of N200 million monthly. This is even as monthly subventions to the four state-owned tertiary institutions were religiously remitted.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the resolve of the Akeredolu-led administration not to bequeath an uncharitable legacy of unpaid salaries remains unwavering.
“In the last three weeks, the doomsday opposition has been engrossed on the shadow-chasing path that workers in the state were likely to have a bleak season. Unlike them, we were more desirous to putting smiles on the faces of workers in the state during this season.
“More than ever, we were determined to confine to their time, the unenviable record of 2016 when workers in the state had the most horrendous season since the creation of the State. Workers spent their Yuletide season in hunger and pains. Some died along the line.
“While wishing all workers in the state a prosperous New Year, Government appreciates their resilience and sacrifice. Government equally expresses gratitude to its workforce for not allowing any rudderless opposition to incite unrest.”
The PDP had early in December, warned that workers in the state might celebrate Christmas without pay.
In a statement by its spokesman in the state, Mr Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, the party had said that “Christmas celebration is hanging dangerously in the hope that the Akeredolu led All Progressives Congress (APC) government will be “magnanimous” enough to pay salaries, at least one full month.”
According to the statement: “The December is already here, and fragrance of Christmas is in the air. Those who have the means have begun preparations in earnest, so as not to be caught in the web of Christmas fever and its attendant hike in the price essential commodities and other items. But for the workers of Ondo State, their Christmas celebration is hanging dangerously in the hope that the Akeredolu led All Progressives Congress (APC) government will be “magnanimous” enough to pay salaries, at least one full month.
“For more than one year now, workers in Ondo State receive percentage salaries. It could be as ridiculous as 30% of their monthly salary. At the last count, only June 2021 salaries have been paid in full. That means, six months salaries are still outstanding. This is in spite of the N18.2 Billion received in tranches as bail out from the Federal Government.
“The Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in separate bulletins sighted online, pleaded passionately with the State government to pay a minimum of two months salary on or before 18th December, 2021, to enable the workers celebrate Christmas. It added that their members should endure the harsh economic realities of the time.
“That the leadership of organised labour unions have lost steam and become ineffective in demanding for the rights of workers is understandable. What cannot be understood is their inelastic capacity to endure suffering in this manner.
“The leadership of these Unions were carefully installed by Dare Aragbaiye, when he reigned as Head Of Service, of Ondo State public service. Even at the expiration of his tenure as a civil servant, Akeredolu, his kinsman from Owo, illegally extended his tenure as HoS. What qualified Aragbaiye to be appointed as Special Adviser on Union Matters and Special Duties was his role to midwife the union elections that practically incapacitated the Trade Unions in the state.
“The “all powerful” Special Adviser, assumed and appropriated the duties of Permanent Secretary Governor’s Office, from his days as HoS. A duty and office he has refused to relinquish till today even as Special Adviser.
“The sorrows and pains of workers in Ondo State are the worst in the South West. Neighbouring States with less revenue are doing projects and paying staff salaries. Workers in Ondo State have become butt of jokes, unable to meet the challenges of everyday existence.
“Some who used their salaries as collateral to collect loans from banks and cooperative societies are unable to service these loans. It has never been this bad in the state. For a ‘Civil Servants State’, the APC Government has abridged every opening for the people to live a meaningful life. Artisans and market women all groan under the cluelessness of the incumbent administration.
“As Christmas beckons, we can only plead with Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN to wear a human face in his handling of the affairs of the state and avoid many people falling into depression as a result of government policies under his watch.”
