By Ayodele Oni
Despite months of unpaid salaries and retired workers gratuities, workers in Ondo State on Tuesday hailed Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for his commitment to their welfare and the development of the State.
“I thank Mr. Governor for being a sincere man. I don’t have much trust for politicians, but I trust Mr. Governor. You have said it all. You said you will clear all salaries before you leave. I trust you.
“When you came on board, you cleared six months you inherited, and I don’t see why you will leave with unpaid salaries.”
The State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Sunday Adeleye-Oluwole, made the remarks at the Annual Prayer meeting to usher in the New Year in Akure.
The NLC chairman maintained that Governor Akeredolu is different from the typical Nigerian politician.
“I thank the Governor for the good job. I thank the commandant of Amotekun for a good job. Mr. Governor, don’t be distracted.
“Continue to promote workers as and when due. Don’t be distracted from prioritizing the welfare of the workers.
“We also appreciate the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Finance. The Commissioner has been laying every kobo on the table for us to see. I want to thank the Internal Revenue Service for a job well done too.
“I thank Mr. Governor for remembering the downtrodden by paying the WAEC fees of the children.
“Thank you for the autonomy granted the Judiciary and Legislature. We appreciate you Mr. Governor.”
Earlier in his speech, Governor, Akeredolu, assured workers in the state of his administration’s resolve to continue to place premium on their welfare despite the ravaging COVID-19 Pandemic which he said has led the country into the present harsh economic realities.
Governor Akeredolu, who charged the workers to remain loyal, steadfast and hard working, said they must improve upon their attitude to work and dedicate their minds fully to whatever assignment that is given to them in the New Year.
He promised that his administration would continue to reward diligence, integrity, trustworthiness and dedication to the service of the people, noting that he will not shy away from taking audacious decisions.
“It is in this way that we can deliver on the full import of the REDEEMED Agenda to mutually develop the service, our land and its people. We will ensure that all those who deserve elevation are duly promoted. We shall equally not shun our responsibility to take audacious decisions, even if they are unlikable.
“Anyone who works against the general interest of the people will be tracked down and sanctioned forcefully. We will continue to encourage and reward diligence, integrity, trustworthiness and dedication to the service of the people.
“We must live responsibly and continually protect ourselves and those around us by getting vaccinated as well as observing the all the non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols. If anyone tests positive for COVID-19, please isolate and report yourself to the designated health facilities.
“I assure you that better days await us and the best is yet to come for all of us in our dear Sunshine State.”
Governor Akeredolu, who noted that his administration takes the security of lives and property very seriously, said the birth of Amotekun was timely as Ondo state is now being adjudged the most peaceful state in the Federation.
“One of the parameters to measure a healthy State is the security of lives and property of the citizens. Fortunately, Ondo State has been adjudged one of the most peaceful States in the Federation.
“The birth of Amotekun Corps in Ondo State was timely and I can say without mincing words that the Amotekun Corps has performed creditably.
“Until recently, the army has been a team player in the security architecture of Ondo State. We salute the military, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and other paramilitary agencies for their efforts in sustaining the peace in our State.
“While acknowledging their roles in the peace efforts, let me reiterate for the umpteenth time that the Amotekun Corps has been put in place to complement their efforts. It is not in competition in any form.
“It goes without saying that the successes and comportment of the Corps have demonstrated that the State Government has made no mistake in setting it up. It has equally helped to take several of our employable youths off the unemployment market.”
