Leave allowance: Workers’ protest wont change my decision – Akeredolu

The Ondo State Governor , Mr . Rotimi Akeredolu, has declared the protest by the workers of the state on leave allowance would not influence him to pay the allowance until the state was capable financially.

The workers, on Tuesday, during the May Day celebration protested when the governor announced that he would not be able to pay their leave bonuses until the state was financially buoyant , the development almost marred the celebration.

But, Akeredolu, disclosed that 90 percent of the monthly allocation of the state was always gulped by the payment of salaries, pension , and other allowances, leaving little for other obligations such as employment of more primary school teachers , construction of roads, classrooms and other infrastructural projects .

The governor spoke at the inauguration of the NULGE Ultra- modern Resorts constructed by the Ondo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees at Owode Obaile in Akure North Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday evening .

The governor explained , “ We earn about N 5billion every month, N 5billion goes for salaries, allowances, how do we address the problems of shortage of teachers in primary schools, how do we build classrooms , how do we provide transformers for communities without light ? The majority want their roads constructed , the current state of affairs is depressing. ”

“ It is a tragic irony that some people now refer to our state as a civil service enclave where governance has been reduced , virtually, to the payment of salaries, allowances , grants , and subventions. ”

He added , “ You can shout, you can protest, is your fundamental human right , you can remain in sun for days but I will not change my style in the interest of the majority . We are paying salaries regularly , workers must not be selfish , allow us to take care of other people in the state. ”