Ekiti LG Workers’ Strike: We ‘ll Resolve This Week – Fayemi

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi has given assurances that the issues surrounding the two weeks  industrial action embarked upon by local government workers in the State would be resolved before the end of this week.

The Governor gave the assurance while addressing the congregation at a thanksgiving service for Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary and the 16th anniversary of the Creation of Ekiti State at the St Patrick’s Cathedral Ado Ekiti on Sunday..

According to Dr Fayemi, the staff audit delaying the payment of the minimum wage to council workers has been concluded. He assured that all legitimate council workers will be paid not only the N19,300 wage but also its arrears from April when their colleagues in the state civil service started enjoying the new salary package.

The Governor  asserted that the audit was necessitated by the need to ascertain the authentic workers so that the funds that could have been expended on developmental projects are not paid to “ghost workers”; saying that it would be unfair if all the resources that accrue to the state are gulped by a section which is not up to 5% of the state’s population.

He added  that his administration, despite the meagre resources that remains after the payment of salaries,  has been able to carry out various infrastructural developments  particularly the massive road projects in every nook and cranny of the state and the unprecedented Social Security Scheme under which the senior citizens of 65 years and above receive a monthly stipend of #5000 among others.

Earlier in his sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Bishop Felix Ajakaye had expressed concern at the fate of the nation in view of recent flooding and insecurity which leaders have not been able to address properly.

The clergyman said rather than address the challenges that have impeded the progress of the nation, the leaders are busy planning towards the 2015 general elections; adding that Nigerians cannot continue to pretend that all is well even as he asserted that Nigeria is sitting on a “keg of gunpowder” that would soon explode if the situation is not rescued.

The Catholic Bishop who expressed worry at the high level of polarization that now characterize the country stated that Nigerians are now wary of one another while the country tends to be losing its identity.

While urging Nigerians to shun their differences  and embrace one another to dialogue on how to rescue the country, Ajakaye  noted that the nation needs quality leadership in this trying time.

“If eventually we gather to talk, there must be open-minded respect and love for all. We must not allow the people who keep recycling themselves as Nigeria’s leaders to hijack the discussion, otherwise it become another mere jamboree”, the clergyman said.

Last modified: September 30, 2012