Osun Reassures Pensioners, Denies Half Salary, Mass Sack Speculations

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

Osun State Government yesterday denied a statement credited to a pressure group within the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) about plans to sack workers, describing it as fake news.

A statement issued  by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to the state governor said: “We affirm that there is neither a plan to sack workers nor any re-introduction of half salary. This was old fake news sponsored by agents of the opposition which the public is implored to ignore.”

 The statement also noted that: “Governor Ademola Adeleke is available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state. As a responsive leader, the governor has met many groups and associations since assuming office. Many of such groups are also lined up for appointments with the state chief executive officer, including the protesting pensioners.

“It is, however, important to note that the government of Governor Adeleke has remained committed to meeting its financial obligations to workers, both in and out of service. The government can however not pay off all outstanding salaries and pensions at once due to paucity of funds which is known to all stakeholders.

“The administration has adopted a phased payment system but with an increase in the amount paid monthly to the pensioners among others. In recognition of the state of the economy, the monthly payment has been increased from two hundred thousand naira under the former government to five hundred thousand naira. This is a decision under implementation despite the tight financial status of the state.

“The government wishes to note that Adeleke remains the only governor in the history of Osun State to have made workers’ welfare his number one governance agenda, a fact acknowledged by the protesting pensioners. The government remains committed to that agenda within the context of fund availability.”