‘Period of litigation tough, a distraction’ – Osun Governor
Osun State Civil servants on Monday got a package from Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. They will not only continue to receive their full salary which they have been collecting in the past one year, their arrears of unpaid wages will be cleared.
The governor stated this when civil servants hosted him for his victory last Friday at the Supreme Court, which affirmed his mandate in the September 2018 election.
The apex court’s decision ended the almost eight months litigation over the election and sealed the hope of the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“I will not only sustain the payment of your full salary but by the grace of God, I’ll pay your arrears. I will prioritise your welfare,” the governor said to a thunderous applause which almost brought down the roof of the hall where the welcoming party was held.
He however gave them a caveat: the civil servants must believe in the administration, be dedicated, give their full support, show understanding and commitment to duty.
Oyetola urged the workers to be partners in progress adding that they must also deliver on efficiency and productivity because they are the drivers of his promise to deliver democracy dividends to the people.
“I have no reason not to hit the ground running, we will deliver on our promises,” the governor said.
Reflecting on the period of litigation, Oyetola, who took the mantle on November, 27, 2018, said: “the journey was tough and full of distractions. It was a difficult period for planning. Anytime you made a move to plan, you remember that it is only if all things are equal. You did not know how long you could plan. ”
Oyetola said however, he refused to allow his spirit to be dampened by reminding himself that tribulation was part of life and that “even Jesus Christ faced tribulation. He was crucified, so who are we? Our state is bound to go through difficult time but the important thing is that we have triumphed.
“Now the battle is over, I call on everybody including the opponents to support us to move the state forward because I believe in participatory government.”
He commended the civil servants for not joining a group of pensioners who protested last month over their yet to be paid arrears of wages, claiming that the state government had received a tranche of Paris Club refund. “It is not true that our government has received a Paris Club refund. We cannot deceive our people,” Oyetola said.
Prayers were held for the success of the administration.
With the governor at the reception were his deputy Mr. Benedict Alabi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Head of Service Dr. Oyebade Olowogboyega, who organized the event, a National Commissioner of the National Population Commission (NPC), Senator Mudashir Hussein, State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman Prince Gboyega Famodun, permanent secretaries, heads of government agencies and other senior government and public servants.
Earlier, the chief executive of the state was heralded into his office by the welcoming public servants who gathered at the entrance to the state secretariat at Abere, Osogbo, singing his praises amid drumming and dancing.
It was his first day at work after the apex court’s verdict that dismissed the appeal filed by Senator Adeleke.
