Ogun to honour NULGE agreement – Commissioner

The Ogun State government has assured the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) that it is ready to honour the agreement earlier reached with the Government and fulfil all issues relating to the agreement in other to make the Union more effective and efficient.

The State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Olajide Ojuko gave this assurance during a meeting with the Executive Union of NULGE and top Management of the Ministry.

Chief Ojuko said being a grassroots politician, he understand the challenges being faced by the Union noting that the present administration attached a lot of importance to the Union and Local Government administration, stating that the State Government would not shy away from its responsibilities.

He said the challenges and the requests on pension, salaries, Internally Generated Revenue, International travel for members and others are surmountable as Government is currently addressing them, promising not to relent until solution was proffered.

Ojuko revealed that the problem got compounded with the reduction in the federal allocation to State and Local Governments, which he said had adverse effect on the finances of the Government, noting that the State had to augment the short fall in a bid to safe the Local Governments from any financial embarrassment.

“State Government augments what comes to local governments from the Federation Account. In some cases, the money cannot even pay the salaries of workers. But because of the magnanimity of the Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun who supplements what comes from Abuja in other for the Local Governments to pay salaries and embark on other infrastructural projects”. Ojuko said.

He said for the 400 workers who are yet to receive July salary because of the centralization of salary payment, Government would commence payment as soon as adequate information and details of those affected is provided on Contributory pension, Chief Ojuko said he would meet relevant and concerned agencies, saying it’s not the making of the present administration to owe anybody a of his/her entitlements.

Ogun State NULGE President, Comrade Ayuba Olatunji in his remarks, appealed to Government to place more priority on the need and welfare of the local government workers by increasing its monthly aid and assistance so that they can also boast of more developmental projects.

Comrade Olatunji expressed confidence in Government measures at resolving the challenges facing Local Government workers, saying they are partners in progress, assuring the Commissioner of the Union’s unflinching support to the Government at all times.