Political News in Nigeria Today
Osun Govt responds to reports of workers’ sack, salary reduction
The Osun State Government has stated its willingness to engage with any party interested in the state’s development while also denying any plans to fire large numbers of employees or reinstate modulated compensation.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners conducted a news conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, and the government was responding to some of the concerns stated there.
The state secretary of the Forum of 2011 Contributory Pensioners, Comrade Sola Olojede, spoke to journalists on behalf of the state’s pensioners and called for fairer pension harmonisation, regretting the fact that some seniors had received the same pension for as long as 12 to 23 years.
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Olojede appealed to Adeleke to embark on bulk payment of gratuity due to retirees in the state, noting that the current piecemeal payment has not been helpful to many members of the group, as they could only use the money to feed, while other important needs were left unattended.
He also said several efforts had been made by the group to meet the governor, but without success and demanded for appointments of capable people among them as Commissioners and Special Advisers to the governor.
Responding to the demands, the government in statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, said Governor Ademola Adeleke was available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state.
The statement further read, “We affirm that there is neither a plan to sack workers nor any re-introduction of half salary. This was old fake news sponsored by agents of the opposition which the public is implored to ignore.
“The government also wishes to state that Governor Ademola Adeleke is available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state. As a responsive leader, the Governor has met many groups and associations since assuming office. Many of such groups are also lined up for appointments with the state chief executive officer including the protesting pensioners.
“It is however important to note that the Government of Governor Ademola Adeleke has remained committed to meeting its financial obligations to workers, both in and out of service. The government can however not pay off all outstanding salaries and pensions all at once due to paucity of funds which is known to all stakeholders.”
