Workers may have bleak Xmas, says Oshiomhole

Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, Wednesday painted the picture of a bleak Christmas celebration for civil servants in different states across the country, adding that it may be difficult for the states to pay salaries before the Christmas celebration.

The governor, who said the Year 2016 will be tough going by the crisis in the economy triggered by a sharp decline in the national revenue by more than 55 percent, however said Edo State civil servants have been paid so they can enjoy their Christmas.

According to Oshiomhole, he is optimistic that his government will finish strong despite the negative economic indicators.

He stated this during a meeting with traditional rulers from Edo Central Senatorial district on Wednesday.

The governor said: “It is clear from all indicators that the coming year is likely to be very tough with the continued decline in revenue and rising expectation on the part of our people and with many state governments, local governments, and perhaps, even some federal agencies defaulting in the payment of salaries and allowances.

“The level of strike activities in the economy is going to be very high and of course, the level of unemployment is already unacceptably high and it could get even higher if we are not careful.

“So we have a lot of challenges ahead, but I am very confident that the President is determined and has the political will to do the needful and ensure the country remains stable and safe. The rest of us as state governments have responsibilities, working with the local governments and your good selves, the traditional rulers, to ensure that there is peace.

“In Edo State, we have done our best, even as things are, to ensure that we pay salaries as and when due. I believe our civil servants, teachers, everybody have been paid and have got their alerts so they would have something to celebrate their Christmas, but it not likely to be so in many other states, but we are the heartbeat of the nation. We must be positively different from the rest.

“So, we are trying to ensure that we sustain this tradition of meeting our wage obligation, because if we do not, I am clear that the consequences are huge. But thank God, the year is ending on a happy note as in Edo State, we have paid our salaries before the Christmas.”

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