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Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by amp: 8:07am On Jun 05, 2015 |
I am beginning to be embarrassed by what is going on in my home State of Osun. I am beginning to feel ashamed that this is happening to the common and the poor in the State of the Living Spring. I am beginning to feel compunctious and distressed by the sheer heartlessness that is presently persisting in the state. It is like the State of Osun is being managed by bloodless beings that have no ability to feel and understand the ramifications of owing seven months salaries to workers of varying grades and the pensioners in the state. I am also being embarrassed as a journalist. Why has it been difficult for this to be headlines in the mainstream media in Nigeria? The primary purpose of government is to cater and guarantee the welfare and security of the governed. The concomitant responsibility of the media is to ensure that the government does not renege in these responsibilities. I understand that everything is now political in Nigeria and in the Southwest especially where speaking the truth has become a serious challenge. But we have to draw the line where the welfare, security and the survival of a big chunk of our people is concerned. This does not mean that a single life lost would not be tragic, but what is concerned here is not a single life, it is the lives of hundreds of thousands if not millions of our people that are involved. It is emotionally harrowing for any father that cannot put food on the table for his family. It is psychologically traumatizing for a mother to watch her children go hungry when she has not been a loafer. It is already an eyesore how someone could be presiding over a government that has refused to pay its workers for seven months and still counting! It is tantamount to wickedness and cruelty of the highest order for Osun State government under Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola to owe workers wages for seven months when he has been receiving the state’s federal allocation up to date excluding the month of May 2015, which is at least a matter of public record. It would be recalled that before the Osun State Governorship Election of August 9, 2014, Governor Aregbesola owed about three months of wages to the civil servants, teachers and the pensioners. It was not until the defeat of his colleague, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State in June that year that he hurriedly found the money to pay the arrears to alleviate the threat of losing re-election. This is despite the fact that Aregbesola has been collecting the State Allocation up until June of that year. What this scenario suggests is that Aregbesola had the money to pay but did not want to pay? Why this was the case is very difficult to fathom. Is the same situation now repeating itself on a larger scale? Is this a deliberate policy or what? Does Aregbesola realize he is punishing the entire people of the State? What kind of priority does he have for him to allow the people of the State to go hungry for seven months? It is not an acceptable excuse that the allocation has dwindled. There is no excuse that would suffice under the sun for letting the workers, the pensioners, the teachers – people who struggle everyday to survive- to go hungry because they are denied the fruits of their sweat. If Aregbesola does not have a milk of human kindness flowing in his vein, then it is possible that he does not know the enormity of the damages he is foisting on the state. If he does have some milk of human kindness in him, then he ought to know that seven harrowing months without wages constitute economic, social and security threats to the state and its people. Yet, here is a man who lays claim to a degree of activism with some bent to socialism from his days in Ibadan Polytechnic. What kind of ideology is this? What kind of “radicalism” is this? And what kind of management is this? Any idea that ridicules the place of man in the economic chain is not worth its salt. Even red hot capitalism knows that without man, capitalism would be doomed. So, what excuses would a “socialist” like Aregbesola have for povertizing the poor people of Osun State? The Chairman, Finance Commissioners Forum, Mr. Timothy Odah, expressed concern over the low revenue generated for the month of April. He had said “the country is facing serious financial and economic crisis.” He also pointed out that “The Excess Crude Account is depleted already, and you are aware that we had earlier resolved that there should be a stop on the use of ECA to augment what the three tiers of government share monthly. So, the ECA is currently depleted and it has gone beyond the level that we can get anything reasonable from it.” But he also criticized states owing salaries, saying the governors of those states should have made the payment of salaries their top priority after collecting their monthly statutory allocation. So, one is asking now, what is really going on with the allocations that have been received on behalf of the State? What is Aregbesola doing with the “little” and “reduced” allocations he has been given on behalf of the State of Osun? Where are the monies going? What are the current priorities of Aregbesola? Whatever such priorities are, could there be greater priorities than the welfare of the people? What are the more important urgent needs in the state than the welfare and the survival of the people, many of whom are poor? It is amazing that social critics like Femi Falana are keeping quiet while this atrocity is going on. Where is Professor Wole Soyinka who is a good friend of the Osun State government? Is he keeping quiet in the face of this tyranny? Where are the Civil Society groups who constantly shout in the press? Are their targets selective? Are they also on the payroll of politicians too? Where are the conscientious people in our society? Where are the national and state leaders of the APC on this matter? Where are the remnants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party in the State? Is everybody already bought to the point that we are so unfeeling, wicked and inconsiderate? Does this mean that we are ready to sacrifice the welfare of our people for political correctness? What is going on in our media houses? What has become of journalism for the ideal society that we all seek? Is every journalist bought over? Why is the Media not shouting itself hoarse on this issue? Yes, I know that Osun State is not the only one owing salaries in Nigeria. I know there are other states owing varying number of months of salaries across the country. But seven months is a long time for an average man to do without any income. It is All Progressive Congress (APC) that is magnifying the dangers of corruption in our society and rightly so. It is the platform that they used to convince Nigerians to vote for the party at the national level. If you don’t pay a man for seven months, won’t such a man look for how to survive and preserve his own family by resulting to corrupt practices? Is this the way APC is planning to fight corruption? By turning everyone into a potential thief? What is “Progressive” about forcing the people to go on undeserved hunger strike? The state is dying gradually. Families are being dislocated. Unemployment is no longer the injurious mantra to sing about. Lack of wages is the new vogue. The security of the state is under serious threat. The economy of the state is at a standstill. There is no purchasing power for the greatest number of our people. Businesses are panting because of lack of patronage. Market women are wallowing in stagnancy occasioned by this circumstance. Transporters are tottering from the pangs of absentee passengers. Artisans are reeling in redundancy. Teachers are no longer teaching. Children are becoming certified vagabonds. The workers are on strike, there is not even any show of empathy through negotiation and discussion. The State of Osun is in comatose. This cannot continue to go on. This is tyranny on the part of Governor Aregbesola. This is really mean and inconsiderate. It is high time for Aregbesola to redeem himself. It is time to save the poor from agonies and psychological pulverizing. It is time for him to come down from the horse and feel the pains of the poor people of Osun. He should stop spending whatever money accruing to the state on any other thing until further notice. The only priority that is worth pursuing right now is the payment of wages to civil servants, teachers and entitlements to pensioners until things get better. There is urgent need to put an end to this charade and shenanigans. “In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility – I welcome it.” - John F. Kennedy, in his Inaugural Address January 20, 1961. Written by: Remi Oyeyemi http://saharareporters.com/2015/06/05/unpaid-wages-brutalizing-poor-osun-state-remi-oyeyemi 27 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Elslim: 8:12am On Jun 05, 2015 |
nna dis tin too long na and i never chop 11 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Waspy(m): 8:20am On Jun 05, 2015 |
One day, one very day, Aregbesola and his cohort will regret the evil they are perpetuating in the state. Just as the writer cried out, we all owe it to humanity to speak up and out against this tyrannocracy and gross abuse of human rights in the state till the man realises he just has to do something. Lalasticlala, i indulge you to move this to FP as soon as possible. It might be all we can do to save lives in the state 33 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by kodded(m): 8:20am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Osun people voted for chanj 71 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by frankyychiji(f): 8:25am On Jun 05, 2015 |
A. |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Emenahagos02(m): 8:25am On Jun 05, 2015 |
You guys should start fasting and prayer, some of those men needs to die. 6 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Nobody: 8:30am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Omisore warned you about the financial state of osun and the huge debt Aregberascal was piling up but you did not listen rather you gathered to eat rice and dance to fuji music in between listening to aregberascal blame every body but himself A people do truly deserve the society and leadership they get. Sai Change! 96 Likes 8 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Nobody: 8:34am On Jun 05, 2015 |
I thought APC governors are the messiah? Time shall tell. 55 Likes 5 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by TheFreeOne: 8:40am On Jun 05, 2015 |
I understand that everything is now political in Nigeria and in the Southwest especially where speaking the truth has become a serious challenge. What is going on in our media houses? What has become of journalism for the ideal society that we all seek? Is every journalist bought over? Why is the Media not shouting itself hoarse on this issue? The southwest media houses are majorly under the control/grip of Tinubus APC so its expected they'll turn a deaf ear to such lamentations. It is amazing that social critics like Femi Falana are keeping quiet while this atrocity is going on. Where is Professor Wole Soyinka who is a good friend of the Osun State government? Is he keeping quiet in the face of this tyranny? Where are the Civil Society groups who constantly shout in the press? Are their targets selective? Are they also on the payroll of politicians too? Where are the conscientious people in our society?Those dudes mentioned are APC apologists they always become deaf and dumb in such situations. I learnt one of them is a wine connoisseur so he may be busy for now with his exotic wines. 46 Likes 6 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by babdap: 8:50am On Jun 05, 2015 |
I was here |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by blonker1: 9:34am On Jun 05, 2015 |
That's the 'CHANGE ' my people are deceived because of lack knowledge. Don't raise your expectations high for this govt. 28 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by lekzyn(m): 10:05am On Jun 05, 2015 |
WHAT IS EFCC AND CO. DOING? I PITY OSUN WORKERS IN THE HAND OF AREGBERASCA. 16 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Chiaka(f): 10:08am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Damn! that dude should pay his workers salary now. This is an act of wickedness 8 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Iykopee(m): 10:15am On Jun 05, 2015 |
The people of Osun state voted for change. Change has come to stay. They shud blame nobody afterall, APC are bunch of orthorpeadic thieves. 24 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by yang(m): 10:15am On Jun 05, 2015 |
He was owing salary up till his re-election in August 2014 . . .You went to the polls and still voted the same man as governor and come back here to open your dirty mouth 54 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by kingbasil: 10:16am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Peeps just keep messing up year in year out all in the name of living the life. Hypocrisy and selfishness is the key word if you intend swimming with them big fishes. When will the average Nigerian men stand up to fight for what is rightfully theirs? Must we live and insist on living under mental slavery? If we fail to fight for our sense of belonging which is a place to call home, what then is our purpose of existing in the first place? 6 Likes 3 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Beremx(f): 10:26am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Benue state is owing up to 8months salary Osun state is owing 7months Ekiti state is owing 4months And it goes on and on.... How do these governors expect their people to survive please? 3 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by kingofdemons: 10:36am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Beremx: my sweetheart i no know oo |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Jmain: 10:43am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Beremx: You don't need to drag other states in your lie to cover up for Aregbe shame . . . . .It's terrible . . . . . . . . The Ekiti State Government has begun the payment of April salary with an assurance that all verified workers would receive their pay before Friday. http://thenationonlineng.net/new/ekiti-begins-payment-of-april-salary/ 38 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Beremx(f): 10:47am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Jmain:Jmaine,I have a friend who is a lecturer with a doctorate degree lecturing at EKSU. They haven't been paid for 4months now and he has been complaining bitterly. Problably some civil servants have been paid while others haven't. Abeg,I don't have strength for any argument. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Jmain: 10:50am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Beremx: It's not about having strength for argument it is about making bold claims without factual proof . . . . . . . 33 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Beremx(f): 10:53am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Jmain:Well,I just gave you a proof. You can go verify from any lecturer from the state university. 2 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by TheOtherview: 10:53am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Remi Oyeyemi, whose views I do not always share, is absolutely right to draw attention to the harrowing conditions which beset civil servants in Osun. Having called attention to the lack of fiscal transparency in some of states, in the past, I am very concerned about the ill-fated decisions which account for the current crisis. Is Ogbeni truly guilty of keeping two versions of the state's wage bill as implied below? Inquiring minds want to know! Samuel Ceezhar: A serious analysis of Osun state’s allocation and wage bill (the two versions) Whatever the case is; I am making a public appeal for the adoption and implementation of an Open Data Policy across all states in the federation, henceforth 12 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by TheOtherview: 10:59am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Open data in government Wiki Page 2 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by PointB: 11:08am On Jun 05, 2015 |
It is amazing that social critics like Femi Falana are keeping quiet while this atrocity is going on. Where is Professor Wole Soyinka who is a good friend of the Osun State government? Is he keeping quiet in the face of this tyranny? www.nairaland.com/attachments/2474979_9k_jpegd2ea285a44370bbeb61d265f939b44f7 Not sure where Femi Falana is. But right there is Prof Wole Soyinka in the midst, endorsing the stupidity that became the bane of Osun. It's time Osun State is merged with Ekiti, the experiment has failed. Osun is a failed state! 22 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by saintopus(m): 11:15am On Jun 05, 2015 |
With all sincerity, I think it is bad for the govt not to pay the staff salaries. But who are my to say! Osun people love their gov and they are not complaining even if they do not have any pay. Change!!!! 3 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Dollyak(f): 11:17am On Jun 05, 2015 |
Thanks for this piece. We all feel ashame not only because of the inhumane treatments but also because the people of Osun voted for this same person. kingbasil:Very philosophical and thought provocking. I agree with your sentiments. 6 Likes |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Jmain: 12:07pm On Jun 05, 2015 |
Beremx: You must be kidding, how can your word be proof which will most likely be lies as ever . . . . . 21 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Beremx(f): 12:09pm On Jun 05, 2015 |
Jmain:ok #notimeforsillyarguments |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Jmain: 12:14pm On Jun 05, 2015 |
Beremx: Then don't make silly, asinine remarks you can't back up when called upon . . . . It will only lead to your embarrassment . . . . . Thank you . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Likes 4 Shares |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Beremx(f): 12:22pm On Jun 05, 2015 |
Jmain:Jmaine, could you leave me alone? What is embarrasing in my comment? [b] Lecturers of the Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, have declared an indefinite strike over non- payment of their two-month salaries. Academic activities at the school were paralysed on Tuesday as the lecturers stayed away from work. Disappointed students who came for lectures were seen discussing the issue in hush tones. The lecturers are being owed January and February salaries. The Chairman Academic Staff Union of Universities, Prof. Olufayo Oluodo, said the academic staff had no option than to stay away from work because non-payment of their salaries had made life difficult for them. Oluodo said, “Our members have no money again to be moving up and down, we are being owed two months and we have not been paid at all this year. “We have made our position known to the university authorities and we have written to the state government on the matter. “We have met with the Deputy Governor to resolve the matter and another meeting with government has been slated for tomorrow.” There were indications that the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non- Academic Staff Union might also declare an indefinite strike to press home their demands for January and February salaries. A source from the university said, “The ASUU is on strike, but we will like it if other unions join us too because they are also affected.” [/b] Even after the strike,they haven't still be paid up till now and its four months already. Please don't quote me cos I won't reply you again. 1 Like |
Re: Unpaid Wages: Brutalizing The Poor In Osun State - (Sahara Reporters) by Badosqi(m): 12:40pm On Jun 05, 2015 |
This should grace Frontpage cc: lalasticlala Ishilove |
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