From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Chairman of Kogi state Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Amari Gabriel on Monday called on Governor Yahaya Bello to end the ugly development
of the scourge of percentage salaries for the local government staff and basic education teachers in the state.
The NLC Boss who made the call in a speech to mark this year’s Workers Day Celebration in Lokoja on Monday, said that the demand has become imperative inview of the untold hardship faced by concerned workers as a result of the poor salary package.
Gabriel noted that the percentage payment has crippled the third tier of government and rendered Basic Education in Kogi state ineffective.
“Your Excellency, as your tenure draws to the end, we urge you to compel the authorities in charge of local government to restore payment of full salaries to workers to bring them a par with their state counterparts”
The NLC Chairman, however, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for regular payment of workers salaries and pensions for pensioners on the pay roll of Kogi state government.
“Also we wish to thank Governor Yahaya Bello for supporting the building of a magnificent Labour House in Lokoja after 32 years of the state creation
“Organised Labour commends the giant strides of this administration in the provision of infrastructure in the state. These legacy projects includes: General Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, Ganaja Flyover, the Graphic Building, Model Science Secondary Schools and Reference Hospital, Okene among others”
“We plead with government to live up to its responsibility in tackling insecurity, unemployment, conduct of credible elections and payment of gratuity of pensioners, to mention but just a few”
He charged workers to remain committed to quality service delivery in their various spheres of duties to justify government’s huge investment on them.
Governor Yahaya Bello who was represented by the Secretary to Kogi Government, Dr. Mrs Folashade Ayoade Arike at the event, appreciated sacrifices made by workers for the development of the state since his assumption of office.
The Governor assured workers that their sacrifices would be rewarded accordingly as his administration will continue to accord priority to their welfare.
“We as government will not relent in complementing the efforts of the organised labour in advancing for the betterment of the living condition of their members. We will therefore, remain committed to the sustainace of the prevailing regular payment of workers salaries and pensions for retirees of the state government”
