At the moment, about 18 of Nigeria's states owe their workers salary arrears, with some owing as much as a year's pay. Due to falling oil prices, the federal government is allocating less money to the states, making it impossible for them to clear the arrears, as the grants do not even match their running costs.
Osun and Benue are two of the worst affected states, owing about seven month's salary arrears and both governors have appealed to the federal government for help. However, President Muhammadu Buhari has ruled out a federal bailout, saying, no state is owed its federal allocation.
Dr Ajulo has now argued the federal government not to shy away from taking over the administration of both states immediately. He added that the actions of the governors contravened Sections 128 and 129 of the 1999 constitution.
“The situation is very unfortunate. It is inexplicable and I am more particular in what’s happening in Osun State.
"Imagine owing workers up to eight months salaries and going to nine months while some are owed 12 months pension. This is worrisome, the situation is worse than the Boko Haram insurgency and I won’t hesitate to say that the situation in Osun and Benue States call for declaration of state of emergency,” Dr Ajulo added.
Many of Nigeria's states are also heavily indebted to banks, who deduct their repayments at source, further reducing the amount governors' get. Campaign group the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has dragged Nigeria before the International Labour Organisation over the matter.
Comments
Post a Comment