Adebayo Adenrele
The Ekiti State Government, under the administration of Governor Kayode Fayemi has blamed its failure to clear the N57 billion unpaid salaries, gratuities and pensions of workers and retirees as promised in 2018, on the downturn of the state’s economy.
The Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Hon. Akinbowale Omole, said this at a press briefing heralding the 4th anniversary celebrations of Fayemi’s administration and inauguration of governor-elect, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Omole portrayed the anniversary themed “Finishing Well”, as very apt in line with the progress the administration recorded since assumption of the second term, four years ago.
He added that all sectors of the economy felt the impact of Fayemi’s purposeful leadership through its policies, programmes and projects execution.
Omole also disclosed that government had rehabilitated 14 general and state hospitals and had also initiated operation of one primary healthcare per- ward, in line with the design of National healthcare policy.
In his words, “As at 2018 when Governor Kayode Fayemi came on board, he said that he had the intention of paying all these arrears, but budget support fund , Paris club, excess crude and other funds we were getting from the FG stopped and we were only collecting monthly allocation. That wat what actually stopped us from fulfilling this promise.”
“We were still able to pay a part of it. We paid two out of the salary arrears. If our predecessor, who collected all these funds could not pay, then we should ask questions. It is not our intention not to pay all these arrears. But we are glad that we have a government that is coming after us. If there are areas where we have not fulfilled our promises, the next government will start from there.” He said
