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debunks rumoured worker’s retrenchment

…Labour leaders hail governor over security, prompt salary payment

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has debunked rumoured claim of his administration’s plan to embark on workforce retrenchment exercise, adding that his government would not under any guise undertake such action.

The governor made this known on Sunday while delivering his worker’s day address at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre in an event organized by the Union to commemorate the global event.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Arike, the governor expressed that the past few years has been tough on individuals and public service workers are adjudge as the worst hit.

While congratulating the workers on such special occasion, the governor restated that government and labour were partners and not antagonist, stressing that his administration hoped to further form a deepened symbiotic relationship for the good of the state and the workforce.

The Governor commended the workforce for the level of maturity displayed at all times adding that his administration would continue to strive to offer palliatives that would succour several economic hardship currently faced as a result of the rising inflation rates as a result of current global, national economic realities.

He revealed that his administration had since 2018 paid state civil servants 100 percent of their wages as promptly as possible unless for few times and at such times the work force were properly informed and brought to the dialogue table with the interest of workers at heart.

The governor added that for the Local Government workers, reckless and unplanned recruitment of workforce in time past resulted into an over bloated wage bill which necessitated the agreed percentage pay, based on the revenue received monthly, adding that his administration was making efforts and several hiccups being experienced were clearing up.

Kogi state Governor at the occasion informed the work force of his intention to run for the office of President of the Nation, while soliciting for their support, he asserted that his administration have under God done it’s best and have achieved enough to justify his mandate.

He assured them to remain passionate about worker’s welfare and continue to clear up outstanding issues as resources continue to abound to the state.

Delivering the worker’s Day address, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC) Comrade Ranti Ojo hailed workers for the turnout despite the numerous social and economic challenges faced by individuals across the state, nation and even around the world.

He noted that this year’s theme was apt, considering the current socio-political and Economic conditions of Nigeria as well as the political journey and preparedness towards the 2023 general elections.

The Labour leader noted that notwithstanding the numerous Security challenges bedevilling the nation, the Kogi State Governor must be appreciated for being proactive in ensuring the security and safety of Kogi citizens as well as people who used the state as an enroute to other parts of the country while encouraging him and his team to sustain the success.

Comrade Ranti commended the Governor for the implementation of the 30,000 New Minimum wage, it’s consequential adjustment and the prompt payment of salary in the state while appealing for the immediate implementation of the February 9, 2022 agreement on the cash-backing of all promotions, payment of leave bonuses and annual increments.

While relaying several challenges, requests and demands of the workers to the State governor, he similarly urged workers of the state to mobilize and support the ambition of the governor for the seat of the President of the nation.