Ondo State Governor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, on Tuesday reassured that his administration will continue to make the welfare of the people its priority.
Akeredolu said his government is embarking on a redemptive mission only to bring succor to the people of the state at all levels.
The governor spoke during the annual first working day prayer gathering at the governor’s office, Alagbaka Akure, the state capital.
He noted that the government will continue to allow merit and justice to determine its course of action at all times, adding that the practice of viewing serious issue in the civil service from the prism of ethnicity, religion and politics have been abolished.
Akeredolu who appreciated the state workers for their support since the inception of his administration charges them to be more alive to their responsibilities.
He urged the workers to help government block leakages in the ministries and parastatals to enable government deliver its promises to the people of the state.
He said: “There can be no better time for us to solicit your continued support and rededication to duty in the service of our people, than now when all of you radiate positive energy expected of your reinvigorated state, after deserved holidays
“This administration, at inception, pledged never to allow extraneous considerations, other than merit and justice, determine its course of action at all times
“We made a solemn vow to make the people’s welfare the directive principle of our activities. We assured diligent workers that nobody would be denied his or her due
“We promised that this Government would not play politics with workers’ salaries and promotion. We encouraged all and sundry to come on board to join in the crusade for the redemptive mission
“I address you this morning with confidence, that despite the onerous challenges encountered since our assumption of office, we have been able to confront issues of governance with unyielding resolve to bring succour to the generality of the people in our dear State.
“We inherited salary arrears spanning seven months. This administration has offset arrears of four months out of the seven months. We acknowledge the outstanding arrears of 20% for October 2016.
“We have also kept our promise to pay salaries promptly as soon as funds are available. The Government has paid salaries of workers since inception on the 24th February till December 2017.
“It is also our fervent belief that all those who work diligently should be rewarded with promotion and other incentives necessary to encourage hard work. We promised to cast aside the obnoxious practice which viewed all serious issues from the prism of ethnicity, religion and politics.
“This administration directed that all promotion exercises, hitherto put hold, should commence. New Permanent Secretaries have been appointed based on merit.
“All those whose cases are outstanding should entertain no fear in as much as they act within the ambit of the rules and regulations guiding their conditions of service. We promise to be fair to all ” He said.
Earlier in his message, the Bishop of Owo Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Stephen Ayodeji Fagbemi, charged the people to imbibe the habit of giving gratitude to God.
He stressed that it is only in doing so, that one can continue to enjoy divine mercy and grace.
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