Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has given the greenlight for the payment of the 13th-month salary to state workers, slated for December 27. 

Chris Nehikhare, the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, announced this in a statement, emphasizing the governor’s consistent focus on enhancing the well-being of the state’s workforce.

The statement added that Obaseki’s commitment to better working conditions has remained steadfast and reflected in the timely payment of salaries without default for seven years, adhering to a schedule where salaries are disbursed on or before the 26th of each month.

Additionally, the administration has facilitated regular promotions, the most recent being in January 2023, while fostering a conducive work environment across six hubs in the state. 

Workers are enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme, entitling them to benefits like Life Insurance, portraying a favorable scenario for employees in Edo State.

Meanwhile the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Godwin Obaseki, Andrew Okungbowa has resigned, citing dissatisfaction with his treatment as the reason.

Reportedly, Okungbowa’s resignation stemmed from the perceived preferential treatment given to social media influencers over his position within the Government House in Benin, which he found unacceptable. 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has defended the N15 Billion allocated for the renovation of his official residence.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi had raised concerns about the government’s decision to allocate substantial funds for renovating buildings while only setting aside a small N5 billion budget for student loans in the country.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima clarified that the project was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

He emphasized that the project, previously abandoned, was renewed by the current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Nkwocha refuted Obi’s comparison between renovation expenses and student loans, stating the administration’s commitment to completing long-abandoned public projects across the nation. 

He also disputed Obi’s comparison between the allocated budget for the Vice President’s residence and salaries paid to university professors, asserting the administration’s focus on educators’ welfare and educational infrastructure.

Nkwocha accused Obi of post-election trauma and divisive rhetoric, urging him and others in opposition to accept defeat gracefully and prioritize Nigeria’s interests.

“There is no other context to situate Obi’s sermon about waste other than the fact that he has refused to swallow the bitter pills of reality.

”It is pitiful that since he was mercilessly defeated by President Tinubu, he and his army of social media cohorts have continued to brazenly unleash a campaign of calumny against the President and now, his administration.

”But despite Obi’s divisive rhetoric, Nigerians have since put a final seal on religious and ethnic politicking so that the country can move forward against the wish of certain persons in the mould of Obi, who have continued to fan the embers of division and falsehood just to create tension and spurn vexatious narratives in the polity”, part of the statement read.