(Opinion) Protests Over Salaries Have Become A Re-occurring Decimal In Nigeria – By Izuchukwu Nwokoma

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It has become a re-occurring decimal in Nigeria that workers after showing commitment and dedication to their duties, are owed salaries up to six months or a year.

It is heartbroken to stumble on stories in print, electronic media or online plarforms where workers who do not have other businesses apart from serving the Government in MDAs , roam major cities of some states protesting unpaid salaries.

Despite the fact that the scripture abhors owing the labourer his wages, some state Governors derive joy in owing workers not minding the bad name it brings to them as well as the level of ridicule it brings to their states.

Looking at the current case in hand, if actually workers of the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OAUTH) are owed up to a year’s salary, then the peaceful protes staged earlier today is justifiable.

How can authorities in the State be this insensitive to the yearnings of workers who have families to feed as well as take care of other basic needs in their respective homes? Indeed this is man’s inhumanity to his fellow man.

I think it is high time the Federal Government instituted a machinery whose mandate will be to ensure that monies states’ receive from the Federation Account is adequately channeled and any Governor or State who fails to make judicious use of the allocation, should be sanctioned or made to pay fines for not utilising the money so received.

It is indeed a disservice to the oath of office many of our leaders took if they fail to implement the many promises they rendered the people during electioneering campaigns. How can a leader allow his workforce to resort to begging whereas they have their salaries withheld for no just reason?

Therefore, the Osun State Government, must clear the air over the circumstances sorrounding the payment of workers of the Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital (OAUTH). The panel constituted to investigate the indictment of some officials of the teaching hospital including a former Acting Chief Medical Director, Prof Afolabi Owojuyigbe, for allegedly engaging in job racketeering must, as a matter of urgency, unearth the true position.

A worker according to the scripture, deserves his or her wages.

Izuchukwu Nwokoma is a Public Affairs Analyst and Journalist

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