Civil servants in Osun have flayed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration’s delay in implementing the new minimum wage.

The civil servants who spoke on Monday in Osogbo, said implementing the new wage was long overdue.

One of the workers, Opemipo, said workers in the state had been waiting for the new minimum wage announcement. She explained that the delay in implementing the new wage was a delay tactic by the state government.

“I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighbouring states have implemented theirs, and I wonder what is delaying our own. This economic hardship is becoming unbearable, and I appeal to Governor Adeleke to act fast,” she said.

Another civil servant, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said that the workers had thought that the state would be among the first set of states to implement the new minimum wage.

He said that what the workers were getting every month was no longer enough to carter for their families due to hardship in the country.

“We are worried over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage might be, at least it will assist in fixing one or two things. But now that the government is not coming forth with what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us.

“States like Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun and others have implemented theirs, why Osun? This shows a lack of commitment to the welfare of workers in the state. I hope the state government will come out on time to let the workers know their fate,” he said.

Another senior officer, who requested anonymity, said it was insensitive of the state government not to release a template on implementing the new minimum wage.

“I wonder if the state government knows what we the civil servants are passing through in this hard time. If they do, I don’t expect them to delay the implementation of the new wage.

“I hope the delay is not a plot to pay unreasonable minimum wage to workers. We are struggling to cope with this harsh economic situation in the country, and the state government’s delay in the implementation of the minimum wage is adding to our plight,” he said.

Meanwhile, information commissioner Kolapo Alimi has said the committee constituted by the governor to look into the implementation of the minimum wage would soon complete its assignment for necessary approval.

Mr Alimi, in a recent statement, said that the committee approved by the governor had been working assiduously to conclude the assignment without hitch.

The commissioner added that the governor was committed to a sustainable implementation of the minimum wage in line with the administration’s five-pointagenda.

(NAN)