Ekiti: Governor Fayemi takes pay cut, all political appointees included 

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Salaries of political appointees in Ekiti State have been slashed by 50 percent as directed by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

The Governor’s directive was Confirmed this Tuesday by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, Muyiwa Olumilua, who disclosed that the 50 per cent slash on salaries is binding on the Governor, the Deputy Governor, commissioners and all political appointees.

Olumilua clarified that while all political appointees from the bottom up are affected, civil servants are not included in the pay cut.

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“Salaries of civil servants will not be affected by this directive and shall maintain the status quo,” Olumilua stated.

The Commissioner disclosed further that Governor Fayemi’s decision was as a result of the financial strain caused by the ravaging coronavirus pandemic and to enable the state save from the pay cut purposely to channel the funds into the implementation of planned developmental projects.

He noted that “this sacrifice is for the welfare of the Ekiti people, which should take pre-eminence over and above all other considerations”.

According to the Commissioner, global economies have been severely affected, a situation that has also put a strain on Nigeria’s finances, including Ekiti and other states.

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Olumilua added that as a responsive and responsible government, the Fayemi-led administration has taken stock of its financial situation and thus taking proactive steps.

He further noted that the current reality in the nation is a constantly decreasing receipts from the Federation Account, as well as the state’s dwindling Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). These, he said has caused the government to wake up to tackle its fiscal realities.

“With promises made to the Ekiti people while seeking their mandate, coupled with the moral duty of improving their welfare, a time for making difficult decisions is at hand, and make them we must,” Olumilua said.

Olumilua went ahead to appreciate the patriotism, patience, and cooperation exhibited by affected political office holders in the state.