Dr Najeem Salaam, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State, has defended the controversial modulated salary policy implemented during former Governor Rauf Aregbesolaโs administration.
Salaam, who was the Speaker of the House of Assembly at the time, described the policy as a painful yet necessary response to an unprecedented fiscal crisis.
In response to renewed criticisms and social media calls encouraging civil servants to distance themselves from leaders associated with the policy, Salaam condemned what he called โsimplistic narrativesโ that ignore the economic realities of that period.
He acknowledged the hardships and sacrifices experienced by Osun workers, emphasising that leadership must take responsibility during collective struggles.
โThe introduction of modulated salaries coincided with a severe national economic downturn triggered by falling global oil prices, which significantly impacted federal allocations to states,โ he explained.
Salaam explained that the state government at the time faced substantial obligations, including salaries, pensions, loan repayments and ongoing infrastructure commitments, all while revenues were declining.
He argued that the administration was faced with a difficult choice: allow prolonged salary arrears, implement mass layoffs, or adopt a temporary survival measure to keep the state running.
โThe decision was not driven by malice or contempt for workers,โ he clarified. โIt was a difficult but pragmatic response to an extraordinary fiscal crisis, aimed at preserving jobs and sustaining public services to prevent total loss of income for families.โ
He stressed that the policy was never meant to be a permanent solution, indicating that efforts were made to restore full salaries and address arrears as the stateโs financial condition improved.
Reinforcing the importance of civil servants, Salaam expressed his commitment to making workersโ welfare a central focus if he becomes governor. He promised that under an ADC-led government, the dignity of labour, timely payment of salaries and improved working conditions would be non-negotiable priorities.
