Biodun Esan, Ilorin
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara on Thursday dismissed the rumour that he would to disengage civil servants if re-elected, adding that sacking workers was not an option.
AbdulRazaq said this in Ilorin during an interactive session commemorating the 2022 Civil Service Week.
The programme was organised by the office of the State Head of Service headed by Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole.
The Governor restated his commitment to the welfare of the workers in the state, describing them as life wire of public service.
“There is a rumour about sacking civil servants after elections and all that, it is quite laughable.
“The first question you will ask is how much do we save by sacking workers? You don’t save anything because even if you sack a worker you have to compensate him or her one way or the other.
“You have to pay the pension and gratuity, so at the end of the day you are not saving anything.
“Besides, how much are we even paying them that we want to sack them? The Governor queried.
According to him, one of the ways to maintain social stability in the society is to ensure that as many people as possible are productively engaged and are able to put food on the table of their families.
“Our belief is that the civil servants are the major lubricants of this economy.
Whatever you pay them helps to keep the fabric of the society together.
“Worse still, you really don’t save anything by sacking workers. Instead, it creates more problems. It is not an option for us,” he said.
The governor recalled how his administration had restored running costs to the civil service after many years.
He also said his government effected promotion with cash-backing, purchased dozens of operational vehicles.
AbdulRazaq said his administration implemented and sustained the payment of the minimum wage which the labour leaders commended.
“Since our assumption of office, we have prioritised payment of salaries, pension and gratuity because we know how important they are.
“When that is not done, it creates a lot of distractions. But we want you to remain focused on what you do.
“For us, we can say it is most paramount for us to pay your wages and prioritise your training and welfare.
He commended the workers for their continued support for the government.
In her remarks, the head of service said the interactive session was part of her office’s mandate to set aside a period for workers to rub minds on issues affecting their interests.
She commended the government for its emphasis on workers’ welfare, including the regular payment of their wages, promotion, as well as the pensions and gratuities for the retirees.
Oluwole tasked the workforce to reciprocate the kind gesture of the government by doubling their efforts towards assisting the administration to further succeed in policy implementation.
NLC Chairman, Comrade Issa Ore commended the Governor for his commitment to workers’ welfare, saying Kwara is among the few states with great and consistent implementation of the minimum wage.
Mustapha Mary, a deputy director from the ministry of environment, requested upward review of the fund released for monthly payment of gratuity.
Bashir Lawal (KWARMA) called for the construction of more bus stops on the highways, and commended the government for the approval of promotion of their colleagues, which he said had hitherto been pending.
Demola Olanrewaju of the Ministry of Communication, who commended the administration for its unprecedented strides and commitment to staff welfare, appealed for more equipment for the Ministry.
The interactive session was attended by the Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi; cabinet members; Kwara NLC chief Comrade Issa Ore; and TUC chairman Comrade Tunde Joseph.
Others were Chairman Joint Negotiating Council Comrade Saliu Suleiman; among others.
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