Ex-governor counsels, as Labour hails Fayose over regular salary payment
http://www.gatewaymail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Ekiti-State-Governor-Ayodele-Fayose.jpgNIGERIA: COMMENDATION has come from the organised labour and former Military Governor of the old Western Region to the Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose.
The workers in the state said the governor deserves commendation for prompt payment of salary.
The commendation came as Fayose approved the appointment of Mr Olabanji Ojo, Mr Ibitoye Adeyiola and Mr Olumide Ajayi as new permanent secretaries, just as ex-Military Governor, General Adeyinka Adebayo (rtd), urged Fayose, not to be distracted by non-constructive criticisms.
Adebayo told the governor, who paid him a visit at his country home in Iyin-Ekiti, that no matter how hard he tries, some people would still not be satisfied.
The ex-military governor expressed satisfaction with Fayose’s performance, adding that in a complex society like Ekiti State, there was no way the governor could satisfy everybody.
To the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), by the regular payment of salary to the civil servants, Fayose, who ruled the state eight years ago before he was impeached, has shown his love for them and has been bringing smiles to their faces.
The congress eulogy was contained in a statement jointly signed by the Secretary, Olayemi Oluropo, TUC Secretary, Adebayo Adebisi and JNC Secretary, Oladele Blessing, the Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Governor, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said.
Olayinka qouted the NLC statement as saying “it is no gainsaying the fact that the present times are hard economically all over the country, but we thank God that the incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Ayodele Fayose has always been bringing smiles to the faces of Ekiti workers by paying their gross salaries regularly despite the meagre allocation that comes to the state every month.”
Olayinka said that the congress also praised Fayose for “involving the organised labour in taking decisions that bother on the welfare of workers in the state.”
The NLC pleaded with the governor to ensure the regular payment continue in order to take the state to the promised land.
“The leadership of the unions equally appreciated the governor for accepting the liabilities and assets of the previous administration most especially, the outstanding salaries and salary deductions of July and August and subvention to subvented institutions, as well as September 2014 salary to all state workers,” Olayinka said.
He added: “They prayed God to assist the governor to carry out the payment of all outstanding as promised and fulfilment of all good desires he has for the states.”
Similarly, Adebayo told Fayose: “I am proud of you Mr Governor,” adding: “You have achieved so much within a short spate of time despite the lean resources available to the state.”
“It is a great honour for me to receive you. I’m very proud of you and very proud of your achievements so far,” a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti quoted Adebayo as saying.
“As a former governor, I recognise the enormity of governance, but don’t give in to distraction and non-constructive criticisms. No matter how you try, you can’t satisfy everyone but you are doing your best. Government cannot do everything for everybody,” the former governor said.
He stressed further: “People will criticise you but don’t be discouraged. You are doing extremely well to the satisfaction of the majority of the people of the state in spite of the meagre resources accruing to the state.
“I have been following the trend of things in the Yoruba land particularly Ekiti State and I am proud of you.”
The elder statesman who assured Fayose of his contribution to the development of the state, said: “We may not have enough money but we have contacts here and there through which we can make things happen.”
Adelusi also said Adebayo charged the governor to reach out to those criticising him to show them his activities and possibly request their contributions.
Fayose, who earlier told the ex-military governor that he visited him on hearing of his arrival in his country home, said “as a father to all governors, particularly in the South West”, his relationship with them had shown him as a true father figure.
The governor promised to emulate him and build on some of the legacies left behind while he served as a military governor, while stressing that with the arrest of suspected kidnappers in the state, peace had started reigning.
The governor maintained that he decided to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries because of his concern for the welfare of the people.
