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Why we are committing Paris Club refund to workers welfare, by Fayose

By Ayodele Afolabi, Ado-Ekiti
28 July 2017   |   4:28 am
Ekiti State is committing it’s share of the Paris Club refund to paying workers’ salaries and emoluments because of its belief in giving priority to the welfare of the people.

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State

Ekiti State is committing it’s share of the Paris Club refund to paying workers’ salaries and emoluments because of its belief in giving priority to the welfare of the people.

Governor Ayodele Fayose who spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday during a meeting with labour leaders and other stakeholders, said workers and the people of the state deserved the best and that he was ready to give them.

He noted that though the N4.7 billion that came to the state and the 16 local councils felt short of expectations, state governors were hopeful that the Federal Government would pay the balance of the refund soon.

“I was the first to announce the receipt of the money and after consulting with union leaders, it was agreed that a bigger house be called. At the end of the day we got N4.7 billion and the state is to get N2.9 billion and the 16 local governments to share N1.8 billion.

The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGEE), Mr. Bunmi Ajimoko, said he was happy that the governor was carrying along labour leaders on how to utilise the money.

He said workers and retirees deserved the attention and priority given them.

The Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Mr. Adeniyi Gbenga, commended the governor.

“We appreciate you for standing by your words. Our expectations dwindled when we got the figure that was released to the state, but we have
confidence in you. We have a lot of issues with pensions, gratuities, but whatever is our priorities must be paid as soon as possible.”

The labour leaders agreed to send the areas of priority to the Office of the Accountant General of the state for onward payment.

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