By Adedapo Adesanya
The Ekiti State chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has given the state governor, Mr Kayode Fayemi, a 21-day ultimatum to pay the backlog of salaries of workers.
The union reminded Mr Fayemi that during his electioneering campaign in 2018, he promised to clear the backlog and till now, he was yet to fulfil this promise. The tenure of the Governor is expected to expire on October 15, 2022.
According to the group, redeeming such a pledge would further reinforce workers’ trust in the administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state and smoothen the relationship with the incoming Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji.
In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Mr Sola Adigun, the union congratulated Mr Oyebanji on his victory in the recently concluded governorship poll, urging him to be magnanimous in victory by being inclusive in governance and forming a robust alliance with opposition to build Ekiti of his dream.
The union condemned in strong terms, the rate of kidnapping of citizens in the state, urging Mr Fayemi to devise means to curtail the nefarious act threatening peaceful coexistence and investment drives.
Sequel to the government’s inability to meet some pending workers’ demands, TUC issued the 21-day ultimatum to the Governor to pay all arrears of salaries, deductions and promotion, failing which industrial harmony could no longer be guaranteed.
“The TUC commends the government’s prompt payment of salary since the inception of this outgoing administration in October 2018 till date. However, the TUC reminded Governor Fayemi of his initial promise to offset all arrears payments before the expiration of the tenure.
“But we noted with dismay, the refusal of the government to remit the already deducted dues such as co-operative deductions, contributory pension, bank loans repayment, NHF fund, to the appropriate quarters.
“We equally frown seriously at the refusal of the Accountant-General of the State to continue with cooperative savings update of Ekiti workers, due to the alleged presence of some syndicate operating in her office.
“Most members of TUC have not benefited from the new minimum wage after almost two years of implementation in the state,” the group concluded.
