Otunba Emmanuel Fayose, a governorship hopeful in Ekiti State, has criticised Governor Biodun Oyebanji for introducing the N70,000 minimum wage payable to workers in the state.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, Fayose stated that the state government’s proposed sum needs to be revised, given the country’s current economic realities.
In the statement he made available to the media on Sunday, Fayose, not the former governor, accused the governor of being economical with the truth and not ready to serve the people realistically, thereby paying little premium for the welfare of the people.
“I received the news regarding the decision of the Government of Ekiti State to pay the sum of N70,000 as minimum wage with sadness and indignation despite the astronomical increase in state revenue both from federation allocation and internally generating revenue (IGR).
“I am unhappy because the sum proposed by the state government is grossly inadequate and incapable of sustaining any family of four members in Ekiti State today.
“Considering the state’s financial health, I think the Biodun Oyebanji’s led government can do better than this if indeed it accords due premium on the welfare and well-being of the state’s people,” Fayose said.
The governorship hopeful is an international expert in security and administrative policy.
Although he hasn’t declared his intention to run, he is said to enjoy the support of Ekiti stakeholders and power brokers in Abuja, who are rooting for him to lead the state.
He further criticised the governor for approving the astronomical rise in school fee payments in public schools, especially at Ekiti State University.
“This government is unwilling to pay living wages to its workforce but is more than eager to increase fees paid in public schools.
“How else do you know an insensitive and unfeeling government? The only option left with our people in Ekiti State is to come together to put in place a people-oriented government,” he said.
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