Adeleke dismisses alleged re-introduction of half salary payment to workers

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has dismissed the claims in some quarters that his government plans to re-introduce half salary payment to workers in the state.

Adeleke, also debunked the speculations that his administration is making plans to sack workers.

A statement signed by the spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Thursday, described the claims as fake news affirming the commitment of the state government to the welfare of civil servants.

The statement reads in parts: “The attention of the Osun State government has been drawn to a press conference by a pressure group within the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) and fake news about plans to sack workers.

“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.”

The statement noted that payment of arrears of retirees in the state has been divided into phases to make it easier for government.

“The administration has adopted a phased payment system but with an increase in the amount paid monthly to the pensioners among others. In recognition of the state of the economy, the monthly payment has been increased from two hundred thousand naira under the former government to five hundred thousand naira. This is a decision under implementation despite the tight financial status of the state.

“The government wishes to note that Governor Adeleke remains the only Governor in the history of Osun State to have made workers’ welfare his number one governance agenda.The government remains committed to that agenda within the context of fund availability,” the statement added.