The Edo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged Governor Adams Oshiomhole to pay outstanding salary arrears, pensions and other entitlements of workers before increasing minimum wage.
Oshiomhole had recently increased the minimum wage of workers in the state from 18,000 naira to 25,000 naira.
State chairman of the party, Chief Dan Orbih, in a press statement issued on Monday, described the minimum wage increment as a Greek gift and one that was hasty.
“This is a Greek gift to Edo workers considering the fact that the governor has continually neglected workers’ welfare and treated them with disdain before now. Who does not know the motive behind this fake gesture that is coming at a time every state in the federation is facing economic recession?
“As at the time of the windfall, he (Oshiomhole) didn’t pay workers for many months. Right now, local government workers are being owed over six months’ salary. Retirees’ pensions and entitlements are also not being paid under Oshiomhole’s watch.
“We are beginning to see Oshiomhole as a slave driver going by his policy on workers’ welfare. Here is a governor who has never recruited workers into the civil service since he became governor, but is now talking about salary increase in the twilight of his administration.
“We challenge the governor to pay outstanding salary arrears, pensions and other entitlements of workers rather than talk about a N25, 000 minimum wage. We challenge him to free the local governments from the bondage he has put them.”
