Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has explained why he did not pay employees in December 2022.
Governor Akeredolu stated that he paid salary until November 2022, but that the December salary was delayed due to Labour leaders’ advice that workers needed money to meet New Year’s financial obligations.
Governor Akeredolu said during the annual prayer meeting with workers on the first working day of the year that his administration had kept its promise not to owe workers’ salaries.
He expressed his delight at hearing positive testimonies about salary payment, prompt promotion, regular elevation, payment of inherited salary arrears, and leave bonuses.
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According to him, “As you are aware, you received three alerts in December. We paid October and November salaries. You also received leave bonus.
“We would have paid December salary, but the Labour leaders advised that we delay it till January to allow you meet financial obligations. Students will resume soon. We will pay school fees.
“Also, we inherited seven months’ salary arrears, we paid six. Before I leave office, I will pay the remaining one.”
On the 2023 general elections, Governor Akeredolu urged civil servants and the people at large to play by the rules while exercising their franchise at the polls.
He warned the employees not to get involved in partisan politics ahead of the general election next month.
The governor assured them that his administration had protected the bureaucracy from partisan politics.
Head of Service in the state, Pastor Kayode Ogundele, stated that 8,415 public servants across the state would be promoted with financial benefits in 2022.
Said he, “For instance, 52 temporary workers of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA) were recently given permanent appointments. Workers and retirees have had a new lease of life under this administration.
“For instance, a number of workers of the Owena Press Ltd, who retired years ago, received their gratuities last month. The Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) was inaugurated to give public servants and their families access to qualitative health care in preferred health facility of choice at low or no cost,” he said.
Archbishop of the Church of Nigeria, Ondo Province, Bishop Oluwole Borokini and Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese, advised the workers to be loyal, committed to their duties, and to avoid corrupt practices.