Ekiti Government Slashes Salaries of Political Appointees, Workers

Ekiti State Government has again slashed the salaries of political office holders and accounting officers for three months as a result of shortfall in the federal allocation to the state.

Also government has suspended the payment of consequential adjustment for workers from Grade level 7 and above which commenced in January 2021 for same three months.

This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, on the agreement reached between representatives of government and labour leaders’ state administrative council on the state finances.

Under the M.O.U, running grant to government offices on monthly basis has been reduced while the economic review committee would henceforth meet monthly to keep labour abreast of the financial position of the state.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the signing of the document, the Ekiti State Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, commended the labour leaders for their sacrifice and expressed optimism that the state would successfully navigate through the period of financial challenges.

She promised that government would adhere strictly to the terms of the agreement reached with the labour leaders to ensure industrial harmony in the state.

The Chairman, Joint Negotiating Council, Mr. Kayode Fatomiluyi, appreciated government for reducing the salaries of appointees and its efforts that would not lead to retrenchment of workers.

Mr. Fatomiluyi noted that the unfortunate situation has directly affected the living standard of workers hence the need for government to keep to its promise.

The chairman, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Mr Sola Adigun who read the M.O.U said it was agreed that government would not downsize the workforce as a result of financial challenges facing the state.

He added: “The labour leadership believes in dialogue and subjecting itself to arguments logically and scientifically and bowing to superior argument. We urge the government to adhere strictly to this agreement.”

Governor Kayode Fayemi had approved the reduction in salaries of political office holders in April 2020 at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to ensure continuous payment of workers’ salaries amidst economic challenges posed by the public health situation.

Tope Bamidele