Governor threatens to withhold striking workers’ salaries

The Governor said “I am appealing to them to imbibe the culture of dialogue. We want them to come because we are not quarrelling with labour; we have no dispute that might warrant labour leaders to direct workers to embark on strike.

“We don’t have a problem with them, except for some that are being politically motivated. It is just a few who are using politics and are being influenced by failed politicians who wants to get through the backdoor what they failed woefully to get from the ballot box.

“We are appealing to them to come and dialogue with us. It is the major ingredient of democracy. Consultation, participation, the rule of law and peace that is all we want. But anybody who breaks the law will be prosecuted. We may be forced to apply for the no work no pay from Tuesday if they ignore my appeal.”

Ajimobi also called on the workers to call off the strike, adding that labour had no prior dispute with the government.

He also said “I am not happy with the situation we found ourselves, even though other states in the country, except Lagos and probably one other, are going through similar challenges of delay in payment of salaries and pensions.

“It is disheartening. I feel for them because I can’t imagine somebody working and not being paid. I also empathise with our senior citizens over the pension arrears. We will overcome these challenges because we are working hard to shore up our revenue base.

“We are plugging the loopholes and leakages at our revenue collection centres because there is a lot of stealing going on. We are also increasing our tax net. And this is an opportunity for me to remind property owners to get prepared for the payment of tenement rate.

“For the sake of emphasis, the situation with pensioners was brought about by the stealing of over N6bn meant for them. We are prosecuting the culprits now. But we won’t say because of that we are not going to pay them. I’m optimistic that things will get better in the next few months.”

The Oyo state government has ordered the immediate closure of primary and secondary schools in the state, following allegations that labour leaders are planning to ask students to disrupt school activities and destroy properties.

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