Kogi State Chairman of Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA), Hon. Abdulmumini Ibrahim has appealed to striking Kogi workers to return to negotiating table with the state government saying the ongoing industrial action is gradually killing the State economy.
Abdulmumini, in a chat with newsmen in Lokoja, described the ongoing industrial action in the State as unfortunate just as he called for immediate dialogue to resolve the lingering dispute.
“The strike embarked upon by Kogi state civil servants is justifiable. They are fighting for their rights. They shouldn’t be owed their salaries in the first place. Kogi has no business owing salaries after the long screening exercise that culminated in downsizing of workforce. With the screening exercise and the funds the government has received so far, salaries and pensions should be paid promptly.
“Go to states like Plateau and Kaduna, workers’ salaries are paid before 28th of the month and the governments also executing impressive infrastructural projects. Sadly, in Kogi we cannot pay salaries and we have no tangible infrastructural development to point to. Lokoja is one of the smallest state capitals in Nigeria yet the government cannot develop the town.
“As it stands today, civil servants drive the economy of Kogi state. Failure to pay their salaries will run the economy down in no time. Government must face reality and meet her obligations without further delay.
“Our party, the APDA, sympathize with Kogi workers and the entire people of the state over this unfortunate situation. Everybody is affected by this scourge.
”The failing economy affects all of us, regardless of our tribe or political affiliation. All hands must be on deck to salvage the situation and we must start by appealing to labour unions to return to the negotiation table, get their demands met and resume to salvage the state’s economy. We urge the government to do the needful,” he said.
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