24th December, 2015
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has thanked the people of the state for their love, support, best wishes and prayers in the last seven years as he celebrates his last Christmas with the people as Governor of the state.
Oshiomhole’s heartfelt message comes just as the State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), thanked him for his “unflinching commitment in the payment of workers’ salaries up-to-date,” adding that, “you have clearly shown that you are a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not liability.”
In his Christmas message to the people of the State, Oshiomhole said “we started the year on a very difficult note and I am happy that we are finishing the year on a lot happier note.
“Of course there are challenges in the economy, there are challenges in the country, our main source of national resources has dropped to 11 years low, slightly above 30 dollars and one is not yet sure if it will not go lower than that.
“The good news is that Edo State Civil Servants received their December salaries on the 21st of the month and for me, that was important to ensure that those who truly live on salaries and wages get paid.
“So I want to thank the good people of Edo State for the trust, for the confidence, for the friendship, for the spirit of conviviality that characterized our walk. I believe we have all made enormous sacrifices to keep this state going.
“That we are able to pay salaries and still meet our obligation to contractors is a result of our collective creativity, resourcefulness, doggedness and much importantly, the will to readily make sacrifices in order to keep Edo project going.
“I am very grateful for your prayers, for your support and I pray as we approach the new year, walking the last mile that God will in his infinite grace bond us together with the precious blood of Jesus and direct our thoughts and direct our ways and help to preside and govern the state for us.
“I wish you all a merry Christmas and a much more prosperous new year.”
On its part, the NLC in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Ademokun, said, “on behalf of the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State Council, we commend you for the journey so far.
“We want in a special way thank you, our Comrade Governor, for your unflinching commitment in the payment of workers’ salaries up-to-date. Comrade Governor, you have clearly shown that you are a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not liability.”
Edo State workers had gone into celebration on Monday as they got the alert for their December salaries even as the allocation from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee continues to dwindle.