The Ekiti State Government will, within the next few days, refund money over-deducted from the salaries of workers for car, housing and computer loans.
This followed the submission of the report by a committee set up by the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, that looked into the matter.
Speaking on an interview programme on radio and television in Ado-Ekiti, Governor Fayose also promised that the legacy projects embarked upon by his administration would be completed as scheduled.
In a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said teachers whose salaries were over-deducted fell into those under the Teaching Service Commission and the State Universal Basic Education Board.
While giving the assurance that the money would be refunded shortly, the governor said steps had been taken to prevent a recurrence of such a thing in the future.
On the legacy projects, such as the flyover, the new Ojaba Market and the extension of the dualisation of the Ado-Ikere Road, Governor Fayose gave the assurance that they would be completed on time.
He emphasised that the projects could not be in any way rushed into completion for cheap political reasons, as demanded by some individuals and groups due to their nature.
While appealing for understanding and cooperation of the people over inconveniences encountered as a result of the ongoing works, he said he was not unaware of the pains and discomfort being faced by residents in the process of executing the projects through occasional road diversions.
He clarified that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the projects being undertaken were not misplaced, saying certain facilities that should ordinarily make a state capital or local government headquarters look its worth were lacking in Ekiti State.
Fayose explained that he deliberately embarked on such projects to create long-lasting legacies that would outlive him after his tenure of office.
“Only a foolish leader or politician will work for the purpose of winning an election alone, but the wise one will do those things that will take care of the future.
“The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo is still being remembered for what he did. The dualisation of roads in Efon, Ikole and other places is being done despite the paucity of funds. We need a leader who has the vision and won’t be bogged down by paucity of funds or other hindrances to personally impact people’s lives positively; they need to put the people first,” he said.
The governor enjoined the state workers, in their capacity as the engine room of government, to rally round his administration to deliver on its promises.
He threatened to soon embark on unscheduled visits to public offices to ensure that issues relating to laziness and complacency among civil servants became a thing of the past.
The governor warned that any worker caught abdicating his responsibility in the process would be dealt with according to necessary industrial law.
He used the occasion to announce that the 20th anniversary of the state’s creation, coming up on October 1, 2016, would be low-key due to the economic realities of the day.
