A member of the Osun APC Campaign Council’s Digital Media Committee and Director of Media, Osun Renewal Drive, Olalekan Oni, has argued that the prompt payment of workers’ salaries should not be celebrated as a major achievement of any government, describing it as a basic obligation of governance.
Speaking during a current affairs programme on AGOGO 107.5FM, Osogbo, Oni said paying salaries as and when due is a fundamental responsibility of every administration rather than an exceptional accomplishment deserving of applause.
Addressing the issue of half salaries paid during the administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Oni urged the public to consider the economic realities that prevailed at the time.
According to him, Nigeria was experiencing a severe economic downturn, with many state governments across the country struggling to meet their salary obligations due to dwindling revenues.
He argued that despite the financial crisis, the Aregbesola administration adopted salary modulation as a measure to manage the situation, while many other states were unable to pay workers at all.
Oni further defended the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, stating that it maintained regular salary payments and ensured pensioners received their entitlements despite the prevailing fiscal challenges.
He also contended that if the administrations of Aregbesola and Oyetola had enjoyed the level of financial resources currently available to the present government, they would have delivered more significant developmental projects across the state.
According to him, the current administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke has benefited from improved revenues but has yet to translate those resources into governance outcomes that surpass those of previous APC-led governments.
The APC chieftain made the remarks while presenting his views on governance and public finance during the radio programme in Osogbo.
