The Osun State Government has replied some contributory pensioners who protested non payment of their pensions, stating that despite its inability to access local government funds, it’s still paying salaries of local government workers as and when due.
Some pensioners on Tuesday protested in Osogbo, calling on President Bola Tinubu to come to their aids.
In a statement issued on Tuesday Morning, the Commissioner for Information and public enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi stated that “there has been no interruption in the payment of core salaries to local government workers. Salaries are being paid fully and as and when due.
The government put the figure of withheld allocations at N230bn.
“Despite the hijacking of local government allocations for almost a year, funds now totaling approximately ₦230 billion, the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has sustained salary payments through the state’s resources. This intervention has ensured financial stability for workers and shielded families from avoidable hardship” he declared.
However, he added that “the continued hijacking of the ₦230 billion allocation has directly impacted the payment of certain allowances and supplementary entitlements ordinarily funded from those statutory allocations. These obligations are structurally tied to funds accruing to the local government system and cannot be fully accommodated in the absence of those resources.
The hijacked funds were meant to support grassroots administration, development initiatives, operational responsibilities, and worker-related benefits at the local level. Without access to these allocations, the financial structure designed to support allowances and additional entitlements has been significantly constrained.
Oluomo Alimi reiterates that “while allowances and other supplementary payments have been affected by the withheld funds, salaries remain consistent and uninterrupted. Clear distinctions must be maintained to ensure public understanding is guided by facts.
“The welfare of workers remains a priority, as demonstrated by the state government’s decision to sustain salary payments despite substantial financial challenges” he concluded.
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