“I will not collect a dime until civil servants are fully paid salary arrears” - Akeredolu

Akeredolu, who spoke on Sunday during the third session of the 11th Synod of Diocese of Akoko, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at the Saint George’s Anglican Church, Okeagbe Akoko, said that civil servants in the state were being owed N38bn, while N41bn were being owed pensioners as gratuities.

The Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, has said he would not collect his own salary until the wage arrears of workers were cleared.

He disclosed this while reassuring the workers that their salary arrears would be paid in full by his administration.

He noted that there was the need to improve on the state’s Internally Generated Revenue to settle the outstanding salaries arrears and to pave the way for meaningful development.

The governor, who was represented by the Government House Chaplain, Venerable Benjamin Babalola, said: “By the special grace of God, our administration will soon offset the salaries owed the workers. The salary arrears owed workers by the previous administration amounted to N38.57bn, while N41.5bn was owed to retirees as gratuities.

“And to the workers, let me say it loud and clear once again that I am resolute in my commitment to make your welfare the priority of the administration.

“I am aware of your pains and agony. I feel your pains and what you are going through and I can see your suffering. But faith in God, I am re-affirming my promise that I will not collect a dime until civil servants are fully paid their salary arrears.”