Kogi Workers urged to show understanding

Workers under the payroll of Kogi State Government have been asked to show understanding, and to see the new pay cut for workers from grade levels 07 and above and for political appointees as only  temporal.

The Chief Press Secretary to Kogi State Deputy Governor, Abu Micheal, made the appeal while making clarification on the decision by government to pay workers on grade levels 07 and above 60% of their April Salaries, said the decision followed the dwindling shortfall from the federation allocation.

The development to pay the 60% of salaries to some categories of workers from grade levels 07 in the state Abu maintained, became necessary in the face of the dwindling federal monthly allocation to the state as the present allocation can no longer pay the salaries of workers.

Mr Abu disclosed that the state government received a total sum of N2.5 billion for the month of April, but lamented that with a monthly wage bill that stands at N3.2 billion, the need for the new wage regime became necessary.

The Press Secretary, appealed to the Labour Union and to the workers, to see the decision for the pay cut as a sacrifice, argued that rather than join other states that are indebted to its workers for several months, urged them to accept the decision as painful as it is as one that is in the interest of the state.

He also added that rather  than owe black log of salaries or at worst retrench workers, called for sincere understanding from all concerned, with a view to sustaining the prevailing peace and harmony that exist in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary said it was no longer realistic borrowing to pay salaries, appealed for understanding from all those concerned as the new measure is for a while as things will still get better in the days ahead.

Abu commended labour and workers for their cooperation and understanding with the present administration, appealed for round table dialogue to resolve the issues amicably.