30 Months Salary Arrears: Governor Adeleke Doing Oyetola’s Impossible
By James O. Bamgbose
Leadership is not just about holding a position of authority but also about impacting the lives of those you lead positively. It is about being selfless, caring, and taking responsibility for the welfare of the people. These are the qualities that Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has brought to the table in Osun State since he took office on November 27, just three months ago.
Recall that for 30 months during the second term of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, workers and pensioners in the state were paid only half of their entitlement. After he left office, his successor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who is believed to be the brain behind the hardship placed on the faithful and diligent workers of the state ‘half salary’, make no attempt to clear the backlog. He never cared about their welfare, and at a point, he was reported to have said “it is impossible for any government to pay”.
However, Governor Adeleke has shown that nothing is impossible with good governance and selfless leadership. In just three months, he has paid two months’ salary arrears to the workers and pensioners of the state, which is a commendable feat among other things. This is a clear indication that Governor Adeleke has the interest of the people at heart, and he is ready to go the extra mile to ensure that their welfare is adequately taken care of.
It is quite unfortunate that the former governor’s administration could not use the money paid back to the state for some projects embarked upon by the previous administration to pay the salary and pension arrears or reduce the debt load on the state. It is also surprising that Mr Oyetola, who could not clear the wage-related debt, is still interested in coming back as the governor of the state after the people had rejected him in the last election.
Governor Adeleke has shown that he can transform the state and make life better for its citizens. His selfless leadership in the few months he has been in office has shown that he has the interest of the people at heart. One can only imagine how much more he will achieve in four to eight years if given the chance.
In addition to Governor Adeleke’s impressive accomplishments, imagine how much betterment it will be if the governor has more people who carry the same ideology as him, working with him at all levels in rebuilding the nation of our own, the Nigeria of our dream.
As we approach the upcoming elections, it is important to remember the progress made by Governor Adeleke and his commitment to serving the people of Osun. I employ Osun people to go out en mass without any fear or intimidation and exercise their civil responsibility by voting for the right candidates.
It is time for the people of Osun State to make the right choice by voting for people who bare the interest of the Osun people and Nigeria in mind. This is the only way to ensure that Governor Adeleke is allowed to continue the good work he has started and take the state to greater heights.
Vote Wisely to Reset, Recover, Recuse Nigeria!
•James O. Bamgbose writes from Igbajo, Boluwaduro LG, Osun State.
