Akeredolu pledges to pay N34billion salary arrears

Gunmen abduct Ondo permanent secretary in Kogi
Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has pledged to pay the N34 billion salary arrears inherited from the previous administration.

He made the pledge in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Segun Ajiboye.

The governor refuted the allegation that he had pleaded with workers to forfeit the arrears, describing it as “deliberate spread of falsehood.”

He urged those behind the rumour to desist from it, as it was a dangerous trend that was capable of causing disaffection among the people.

According to him: “The governor had matched his words with action since he assumed office by making the welfare of workers his priority.”

Akeredolu stressed that his administration was determined to implement the cardinal programmes that were outlined in his campaign promises.

He, however, said the revenue inflow to the state must be increased geometrically to deliver promptly on his projections.

The Deputy Governor, Mr. Agboola Ajayi, had disclosed that the salary arrears inherited from the previous administration was N38.57 billion, while N41.5biliion was owed to retired personnel as gratuities.

Ajayi, who is the chairman of the committee raised on March 7 to offset the outstanding arrears, explained that the state had paid February, March and April 2017 salaries and those of August 2016.

Meanwhile, unknown gunmen in Kogi State have abducted a Permanent Secretary in the state’s Hospital Management Board, Dr. Niran Ikuomola.

The Guardian learnt that Ikuomola was kidnapped on Sunday evening along the Lokoja/Abuja expressway, alongside his driver.