Labour Day: See government as your partner, not antagonists, Gov. Bello tells Kogi workers
Story from Rabi’atu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has asked organised labour in the state to see government as a partner and not an antagonists.
Gov. Bello disclosed this in a message to commemorate the 2022 International Workers Day held at the Mohammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Lokoja, he promised regular payment of salaries and pension to workers.
The Governor represented by secretary to the state government, Mrs Folashade Ayoade, thanked the organised labour for their commitment to industrial peace, she appreciated their understanding, patience and sacrifice.
While pointing out that he remained a strong advocates of better pay for workers, reason why he was amongst states to first implement the new minimum wage for workers, the Governor lauded the support of labour to his administration.
Governor Bello acknowledged the payment of percentage salaries to workers at the LGA level, saying that it was due to heavy levels of staffing as well as low inflow of allocation.
He added that since after the staff screening in 2018, the state government has paid appropriately salaries, pension and gratuity on or before 26th of every month, traced the percentages payment to poor inflow and huge wage bill at the local government level.
Gov. Bello dispelled the rumour making the rounds that the state government is planning retrenchment or downsizing of its workforce, expressed sympathy with Nigerians and workers that since 2019 cost of living has been tough, particularly for workers in the public sector owing to the rising cost of inflation in the country, and assured of succor in the coming days.
Gov. Bello commended Kogi State workers and the Union for their sacrifices, maturity, patience, assuring that he intends using any opportunity available to apply palliatives that would cushion the pains of the workers in the state.
The governor promised a resuscitation of the car refurbishing loans for civil servants, pointing out that benefitting workers will get
N500,000 each as a revolving loan.
While promising to continue to serve the people of Kogi State with sincere commitment, assured of free and qualitative education, health, good road, security of lives and properties under his administration.
The State Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Onu Edoka, commend members for their patients and understanding in veiw of the economic and security challenges in the country.
Onu urged government to offset all salary arrears and implement all outstanding promotion for workers as he congratulate all and sundry on the occasion.
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