Why we are committing Paris Club refund to workers’ welfare – Fayose

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has said his administration decided to commit the totality of the state’s share of the Paris Club refund to paying workers’ salaries and emoluments because of his belief in giving priority to the welfare of the people.

Fayose, who spoke in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday during a meeting with labour leaders and other stakeholders, said workers and the people of the state deserved the best and that he was ready to give them.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor also said he called the meeting to give workers the opportunity to decide on their areas of priority.

He noted that though the N4.7 billion that came to the state and the 16 local governments felt short of expectations, state governors were hopeful that the Federal Government would pay the balance of the refund soon.

“I was the first to announce the receipt of the money and after consulting with union leaders, it was agreed that a bigger house be called.

“At the end of the day, we got N4.7 billion and the state is to get N2.9 billion and the 16 local governments to share N1.8 billion. In the first refund, we got N8 8 billion that was shared with state getting N5.4 billion and the local governments getting N3.4 billion.

“I know the agitation by teachers, especially at primary school level, but the reality is that we just have to make do with what we have and hope for the best. Allocations coming to local governments are handled by members of Joint Allocation and Appropriation Committee of which I am not a member.

“All observations about how to disburse the money are to be directed to members of the committee and they will decide on the areas of priority.