Osun State Government Provides Detailed Clarification on Local Government Salary Situation
The Osun State Government has issued a comprehensive clarification regarding ongoing claims about local government workers' salary payments, firmly rejecting assertions that employees are not receiving their due compensation. In an official statement released through multiple channels, including the government's verified social media accounts, authorities described circulating narratives as fundamentally inaccurate and misleading to the public.
Government Addresses Salary Payment Continuity
Information Commissioner Oluomo Kolapo Alimi provided detailed insights during a press briefing, emphasizing that core salary payments to local government workers have continued without interruption across all councils in the state. The commissioner stated unequivocally that salary disbursements have been maintained consistently and punctually, despite significant financial challenges stemming from withheld federal allocations.
"There has been no interruption in the payment of core salaries to local government workers," Commissioner Alimi declared. "Salaries are being paid fully and as at when due, demonstrating our administration's commitment to worker welfare and financial stability."
State Intervention Amid Federal Allocation Withholding
The commissioner revealed that the state government has utilized its own resources to sustain salary payments following the withholding of local government allocations for nearly a full year. According to official figures, the affected funds have accumulated to approximately N230 billion, creating substantial financial pressure on local administration structures.
Alimi explained that Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration made a deliberate decision to intervene financially to prevent salary disruptions that would have adversely affected thousands of workers and their families. This intervention, he noted, was implemented specifically to protect local government employees from the financial strain that would have resulted from the withheld allocations.
Distinction Between Salaries and Allowances
While firmly maintaining that core salary payments remain uninterrupted, the government acknowledged challenges regarding certain allowances and supplementary entitlements. Commissioner Alimi clarified that these financial components are structurally tied to statutory council funds that have been withheld at the federal level.
"The continued hijacking of the N230 billion allocation has directly impacted the payment of certain allowances and supplementary entitlements ordinarily funded from those statutory allocations," Alimi stated. "These obligations are structurally dependent on funds specifically designated for the local government system."
The commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining clear distinctions between salary payments and supplementary allowances when discussing the financial situation. He urged media outlets and the public to recognize that while allowances face challenges due to funding constraints, core salaries continue to be disbursed consistently across all local government areas.
Impact on Local Governance and Operations
Beyond salary considerations, Commissioner Alimi noted that the withheld allocations have affected broader aspects of local governance. Development projects, operational costs, and day-to-day council responsibilities have all faced constraints due to the financial limitations resulting from the withheld funds.
The commissioner explained that the approximately N230 billion in question was originally designated specifically for grassroots governance initiatives and routine council operations. Without access to these resources, local administrations have faced increased pressure on their financial structures while attempting to maintain essential services and operations.
Government's Commitment to Worker Welfare
Concluding his remarks, Commissioner Alimi reaffirmed the state government's commitment to prioritizing worker welfare across all sectors. He highlighted that the continued payment of salaries despite significant financial pressure demonstrates the administration's dedication to stability and fairness within the local government system.
The government's clarification comes amid growing public discussion linking unpaid allowances to broader salary payment issues. Officials maintain that clear communication about the distinct nature of salary payments versus supplementary allowances is essential for accurate public understanding of the situation.
This comprehensive statement from Osun State authorities aims to provide transparency regarding financial management at the local government level while addressing circulating claims about salary payments to council workers across the state.
