Over nonpayment of their salaries, Workers of Ondo State Oil Producing Area Development Commission(OSOPADEC) on Tuesday, shut down the office of the state Accountant General.
Veracity news online had reported earlier that the leadership of the Union had given the Management 48hours to resolve issues regarding their emolument.
Leading the workers today, Comrade Oyesanmi Ilesanmi, state Chairman of Amalgamate Union of Public Corporations and Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees, stormed the premises of the Accountant General’s office at Alagbaka, Akure, the state capital, protesting nonpayment of their October, November and December salaries despite approval by the governor.
The workers who trooped out in their numbers, chanted songs and hurled abuse at the Accountant General, Mr. Laolu Akindolire, alleging the administration which has been digging a hole to fill another of using money meant for their salaries to pay deductions of civil servants in the state.
They alleged that it was the Accountant General who was responsible for the delay in payment of the salaries.
Among the inscriptions on several placards displayed by the protesting workers include “Obey Arakunrin directive,” “Arakunrin Save OSOPADEC From AG,” “OSOPADEC Is Not An appendage Of AG’s Office,” “AG Release Our Money Now,” “Laolu Misrepresenting Aketi’s Administration,” “Laolu Akindolire Enemy of Development Laolu Proceed On Leave Now.”
Addressing the protesters, Mr. Akindolire admitted as claimed by the workers that the salaries had been approved for payment by the governor.
He explained that though the payment of the salaries had been approved, there was no cash backing, therefore his office could not pay their salaries.
When he attempted to explain how the government paid workers deductions, the protesting workers were infuriated and the Accountant General got frustrated and entered his office.
The workers attempted to force their way into the office but were prevented by their leaders who pleaded with them.
They, however, vowed to continue to occupy the premises until their salaries are paid.
Security agencies in the state were along the line invited to maintain peace in the premises.
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