Osun Slashes Political Holders’ Salaries, Allowances

As part of efforts to cut down the cost of running governance, the Osun State Government has announced a 50 per cent slash in salaries and allowances of political office holders in the state.

Osun State has been in the news lately over its inability to pay salaries of workers in the state for seven months.

But a statement issued by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, disclosed that, “This is one of the many steps we are taking to ensure the sustenance of our collective. We are also calling on our people to join us and do their part in carrying the weight of change.”

He described the situation Osun State found itself in as unfortunate.

“It is very unfortunate that we find ourselves unable to pay our workers their due wages for several months when, in the past, we stood for paying on or before the 25th of each month.”

He added, “We thank the ever gracious and understanding workers of our state for their patience as we go through this most trying time.”

He revealed that, “We hereby announce a 50 per cent cut to the salaries and allowances of all political office holders and appointees.”

Okanlawon said the government has “commenced the process of paying the balance of November and full December salaries arrears for all our workers across the state and the process should be concluded by Friday, July 3, 2015.”

“We are able to do this because our partners and creditors have faith in us and we have proven to be responsible and trustworthy,” he also said in the statement.