Ondo workers, pensioners shutdown Gov. Akeredolu’s office overoutstanding arrears, gratuities

Workers and pensioners in Ondo State have appealed to the state
government for a proper disbursement of the recent tranche of the
Paris Club refund from the Federal Government, in order to offset
their salary arrears and gratuities.

Armed with placards bearing various inscriptions such as "Akeredolu
should have mercy on us" "The Governor has refused to grant audience
to pensioners" "We are tired of promise and fail", the organized
labour and pensioners converged on the Governor's Office in Akure
where they accused the state government of withholding the Paris Club
refund released to it by the federal government with the aim of
diverting the fund.

They also lamented that the state government has failed to pay workers
their outstanding salaries and pensions, as directed by the federal
government.

Addressing the aggrieved workers and pensioners, the state Head of
Service, Toyin Akinkuotu reiterated the commitment of government to
prioritising the welfare of workers.



Also speaking, Mr. Akinsanmi, the representative of the Account
General, stated that about 3 to 4 weeks ago alert of 20.9billon Paris
Club Refund was received for the payment.



He said the money is for both the local government and the Ondo state
government but the amount was withdrawn by CBN from state covers
because the federal government wants to verify Ondo state's statement
of account which will be presented to the Governor's forum.

The workers and pensioners however gave the state government till the
end of October for them to be paid or the state risks an industrial
action.