(Wole Balogun, ADO-EKITI)
Workers’ strike in Ekiti yesterday took a dramatic turn as a Socio-economic group in the state, the Nigeria Progressive Vanguard (NPV), has given a 72-hour ultimatum to Governor Ayodele Fayose to pay the workers’ outstanding five-months’ salaries or face a mass protest against the state government.
The group lamented that the hardship being faced by the workers was “worrisome, embarrassing and called for” and consequently gave the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, a 72-hour ultimatum within which to pay the workers or face mass action.
In a statement by its State Chairman, Hon. Bamayi-Lawal Adegoke and Secretary, Hon. Tayo Ojo, the group said that the situation at hand called for broad intervention to save the state and its people from dire consequences.
The statement reads in part: “The latest development in the state calls for prompt intervention of all and sundry since the governor is not ready to do the needful regarding the payment of workers’ salaries of about six months.
“Since the workers are not demanding the full payment of all the salaries they are being owed at once due to the present economic challenges in the country and the state, it is now a must for the governor to do the right thing now or face peoples’ revolt.
“It is no longer acceptable to us as a body to see our fellow able men and women begging for food to eat while some others have resulted to stealing in the name of trying to provide for their family. The development in the State is becoming a national embarrassment and tragedy and if urgent positive action is not taken, it can lead to a revolution.
“Therefore, the governor should stop playing upon the intelligence of Ekiti People by living very large at home and appearing soberly in public, just to deceive them. Our expectations from the governor are behaviour in tandem with the credibility, integrity and honour that Ekiti People are known for.
“The way and manner, Governor Fayoses’ actions are portraying Ekiti now
is no longer acceptable to an average Ekiti son and daughter. As the number one Man in Ekiti, the governor should know that, he represents the image of the state at all times, hence the need to always be modest, polite and sincere in language, deeds and conduct.
“The NPV sympathises with workers in the state over their current ordeal. It is unfortunate that the present administration can
resort to maltreatment as a compensation for their support and loyalty towards the government since its inception,” the statement concluded.