I'll Pay Unpaid Salaries, Deductions Within 100 Days, Kashamu Tells Ogun Workers

The Governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Senator Buruji Kashamu has promised to restructure and pay all unpaid salaries and deductions of public workers in the state.

In a document entitled: “Our Pact with Ogun workers, traditional rulers, MAPOLY,  TASCE and Students of Ogun State”, Kashamu said being a blessed state, there was no need to plunge the state into  a "whopping N103 billion debt".

“Being a state blessed with abundant human and natural resources, Ogun State should not have been in this situation. That said, my Strategic Economic Management Team has looked at Ogun State finances and come up with a strategic plan to pay up the debts and ensure that going forward, Ogun State will not borrow money for recurrent expenditure.”

Kashamu, who is the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the National Assembly, said it was imperative for the government and workers to enjoy a smooth working relationship.

"I am deeply saddened and pained seeing many of our hard-working and committed civil/public officers crying, suffering and going through untold hardship due to the diversion of cooperative deductions, denial of leave bonuses and arrears, etc. I want our civil/public officers to know that I stand and empathise with them.

“By the grace of God, if I am elected as the Governor of Ogun State, I shall inaugurate a committee made up of members of my team and representatives of the workers to immediately determine the outstanding amount due to the workers and come up with a mutually acceptable payment schedule which shall see to the commencement of disbursements within the first 100 days of my Administration.

"Going forward, salaries, cooperative deductions, pensions, e.t.c shall be paid and/or remitted before the end of every month during our tenure in office,” he said.

Kashamu spoke on issues surrounding the state’s college of education also known as Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), saying he will inaugurate a committee to resolve the issues concerning the institution within his first 100 days of assuming office.

“The committee's Terms of Reference shall include a diagnostic review of the debts of TASCE and an appreciation of the various challenges militating against the institution with recommendations on how to resolve the challenges facing the institution.

"In line with our global objective of making Ogun State free of recurrent expenditure-related debts and other non-developmental debts, a plan would be put in place with clear milestones for the payment of the debts owed the lecturers and workers of TASCE.

“I promise that the first payment towards offsetting TASCE's debts shall be done within the first 100 days of our Administration," he said.

On the issue of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Kashamu said, "A committee will be set up to include members of the Ogun State House of Assembly and other relevant stakeholders with a view to finding  a lasting solution to the issues and the report of the committee and its recommendations must be submitted within 100 days. I commit to a full implementation of the recommendations of the committee."

He promised a reduction of tuition fees in public-owned higher institutions within 90 days of his assumption of office.

“Scholarship award for outstanding Ogun State students across the country, immediate employment for best graduating students (Ogun State indigenes) from each of our public tertiary institutions, work and study for students of public tertiary institutions in Ogun State. 

"Prompt and regular payment of bursary to all students, provision and upgrading of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centres in the three senatorial districts, free school buses for secondary school students in Ogun State and scholarship for best two (male and female) UTME students."

Kashamu also spoke of his plans to support the transportation sector and prevent multiple taxation.

“We are aware of the challenges faced by your members in the form of multiple taxation, punitive payments and even extortion. This situation shall be immediately looked into upon our assumption of office with a view to ensuring that fees, charges and levies payable by your members are fair, reasonable and equitable," he said.

The candidate restated his desire to re-position the traditional institution and re-energize the state’s many communities. 

"Royal fathers will get their salaries and welfare packages as and when due. While Baales and coronets will be promoted and paid the backlog of their salaries and timely, going forward.

"One of the economic models being worked upon by our Strategic Economic Management Team involves the creation of a credit scheme with affordable terms to help support, grow and modernise your business and operations," Kashamu added.