BENIN CITY – The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress in Edo State say their members are not being owed salary arrears by the Edo state government and therefore have no cause to go on strike over non-payment of salaries as in some states.
Reacting to the threat of strike in some states owing to the non-payment of salaries and a newspaper publication which listed Edo as one of the affected states, the organised Labour stated that the allegation was false as it did not represent the situation on ground.
In a statement jointly signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Comrade Charles Oronsaye, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), the organised Labour declared, “for the purpose of clarity and record, we wish to state that the Edo State government has paid the salaries of its employees in the public sector (health sector, teachers, civil servants) and its parastatals”.
The Unions added that apart from some organizations where labour still had issues for which it was currently discussing with government, all other employees of the state had been paid up to date.
Labour advised the media to always confirm their before going to press to avoid misconception and swaying the public., noting that the state government had made significant strides in the payment of salaries and deserved to be acknowledged so as to encourage performance.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Louis Odion in a statement had said: “While it is true that some states are currently unable to meet their financial obligation, Edo remains an exemplar. For the records, Edo State Government does not owe workers salary arrears as the government has fully discharged its obligations. As a matter of state policy since Comrade Oshiomhole assumed office in 2008, pensioners receive their pay first, followed by workers who get paid not later than the 25th of every month. The policy has not changed. For April, all pensioners and workers were also paid on schedule.
“Comrade Oshiomhole’s entire life has been devoted to the defence and advancement of the workers’ cause. While it is true that states have come under heavy pressure on account of steep fall in oil price, for the Comrade Governor, the pay day remains sacrosanct. Through prudent management, the Comrade Governor is not just paying salaries and pension on schedule but is also able to keep contractors working on sites across the state.”
