Change In Fortune For Ondo Workers As Gov Akeredolu Offsets Salary Arrears

By Ayodele Oni

Despite depression occasioned by irregularity in payment of salaries and entitlements to civil servants in Ondo state last year, they still had cause to celebrate during the Christmas and new year celebrations.

The irregularity in the workers entitlements led to mass exodus,especially Medical Doctors and deaths of some workers.

However in December, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu surprised the workers by keeping faith with his pledge not to owe any salary. Bank credit alerts were received by the workers.

Mr Akeredolu, on Tuesday, said his administration  paid up till November, 2022, saying that the December salary was delayed on the advice of the Labour leaders to allow workers meet new year financial obligations.

The Governor assured that the December salary will be paid soon, while promising that the one month remaining from the inherited seven months salary arrears will also be paid before the end of his tenure.

“As you are aware, you received three alerts in December. We paid October and November, 2022. You also received leave bonus.

“We would have paid December 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.”

The Governor spoke at the Annual Prayer Meeting with Public Servants on the first working day of the year, held at the Governor’s park, Governor’s office, Akure, the state capital.

He assured that his administration would continue to give priority to the well-being of the Public Service amidst competing demands from other segments of the State.

The Governor noted that in spite of the State’s lean resources, his administration will continue to do more and not shy away from its responsibility.

Mr Akeredolu said he was glad to hear good testimonies on payment of salaries, prompt promotion, regular elevation, payment of inherited salary arrears and leave bonus.

He also described as heartwarming, the workers’ testimonies on the new Duty Tour Allowance, training and retraining, provision of working tools and enabling environment for the service to thrive, among others.

The Governor further assured of his administration’s resolve to improve the quality of lives of the people and deliver on promises.

Mr Akeredolu thanked public servants in the State for their cooperation, particularly the organized Labour for their understanding.

He explained that without the commitment of the workforce, his administration would not have recorded the modest feats achieved in its policy thrust.

On the 2023 General Elections, the Governor called on civil servants and the people at large to play by the rules while exercising their franchise at the poll.

“Let me reiterate for the umpteenth time that public servants are not expected to be involved in partisan politics. Absolute loyalty and commitment should be the watchword of the service.

“Again, political discourse should be civil with decorum and in statutory manner. You will note that our Administration has insulated the bureaucracy from partisan politics.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele disclosed that 8,415 Public Servants across the State were promoted with financial benefits in 2022.

“Thanks to Arakunrin’s commitment to workers’ welfare in ensuring the payment of all outstanding salaries. The present administration, in a bid to reduce shortfall in the workforce, has continued to recruit fresh hands in the critical areas of need.

“For instance, 52 temporary staff of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA) were recently given permanent appointments. Moreover, Ondo State workers and retirees have had a new lease of life under this Administration.

“For instance, a number of staff of the Owena Press Limited who retired long years ago received their gratuities last month.

“The Orange Health Insurance Scheme (ORANGHIS) was inaugurated to give public servants and their immediate family members access to qualitative health care in preferred health facility of choice at low or no cost.”