Fayose urges FG to extend budget support, include LG in scheme

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has called on the Federal Government to extend its budget support initiative to the local governments for the for the sake of the workers there.

Governor Fayose, who made the call while meeting with teachers in the state at the government house, Ado Ekiti, said the federal government, should extend the initiative.

Fayose said: “The budget support scheme which the state has been enjoying ended last May. In the wisdom of the Federal Government we want to appeal that one, they should extend the budget support beyond the one for the state and two, to include the local government staff in the next one.

“This is so if it is only the state that is getting support while the local government is not getting it will cause disparity between these two tiers of government. So, we are appealing to the federal government to consider the two tiers of government in the budget support scheme.”

The governor admonished the local government staff, saying that it is a common practice all over the country that many of them do not go to their office. He said: “I want to urge the local government staff to ensure that they go to their office and work. As much as we love them, we want equally them to be responsible. To whom much is given, much is expected. Since they have been called to serve, they should serve well.

Explaining why he held the meeting the teachers, he said: “By this meeting I have been able to sensitise them on facts surrounding the financial status of the state. I have been able to tell them that the Paris club refund coming to the state is half of what came the last time and cannot do much. The impression being given that it is to pay all salaries and emoluments of workers is wrong. How can this meagre amount coming pay all outstanding salaries of four to five months, including leave bonus, pensioners etc.

To me that impression being created is a blackmail to put governors on the spot. So, I feel it is necessary to put the records straight. My people know that I don’t lie to them. I have explained to them about what we are expecting and I have also told them that when the money comes, I will invite them again on its sharing modalities and to know how we can take care of what their top priorities are.”