Osun State Government has expressed readiness to meet all stakeholders that desire development of the state, just as it denied planning to embark on mass sack of workers or re-introduce modulated salaries.
The government was responding to some of the issues raised at a press conference held by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners in Osogbo on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the pensioners in the state, the state Secretary of the Forum of 2011 Contributory Pensioners, Comrade Sola Olojede, demanded favourable harmonization of pension, lamenting that some pensioners had been on same pension between 12 and 23 years.
Olojede appealed to Adeleke to embark on bulk payment of gratuity due to retirees in the state, noting that the current piecemeal payment has not been helpful to many members of the group, as they could only use the money to feed, while other important needs were left unattended.
He also said several efforts had been made by the group to meet the governor, but without success and demanded for appointments of capable people among them as Commissioners and Special Advisers to the governor.
Responding to the demands, the government in statement by the spokesperson to the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Thursday, said Governor Ademola Adeleke was available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state.
The statement further read, “we affirm that there is neither a plan to sack workers nor any re-introduction of half salary. This was old fake news sponsored by agents of the opposition which the public is implored to ignore.
“The government also wishes to state that Governor Ademola Adeleke is available to meet all stakeholders for the development of the state. As a responsive leader, the Governor has met many groups and associations since assuming office. Many of such groups are also lined up for appointments with the state chief executive officer including the protesting pensioners.
“It is however important to note that the Government of Governor Ademola Adeleke has remained committed to meeting its financial obligations to workers, both in and out of service. The government can however not pay off all outstanding salaries and pensions all at once due to paucity of funds which is known to all stakeholders.”