Edo government reacts to BudgIT report alleging unpaid salaries
The Edo state government demanded an apology from BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation after its publication claiming non-payment of employees’ salaries in the state.
In a publication dated July 28, 2022, BudgIT had listed Edo state alongside 12 others owing civil servants at least one month’s salary.
Iserhienrhien Efe, permanent secretary, ministry of budget and economic planning in a letter addressed to BudgIT’s country director on Friday 12 August, said the reports which alleged Edo owed six months’ salaries is false and “has the tendency to mislead the public”.
“For the avoidance of doubt, a foremost thrust of his excellency, the executive governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki’s campaign is centred on the issue of regular payment of workers’ salaries and allowances,” the letter stated.
“This is particularly so as he strongly believes that every worker deserves his wages. In pursuance of this belief, since he assumed office on the 12th of November 2016 till date, salaries and allowances of State’s workers have been paid consistently on or before the 25th day of every month.”
Also, the Edo state government demanded the organisation to take down the publication within 48 hours and issue a public apology.
“Deductible from your publication, therefore, is that: You had the least opportunity to conduct a thorough search before your said publication,” the letter adds.
“Even in the little effort you made, you had exhibited no regard for the sensibility of states who are pro-people and are doing as much as they can to improve the welfare of workers.
“In this circumstance, therefore, we demand a retraction within 48 hours of the receipt of this letter, the said publication particularly as it affects Edo state and a public apology published in the same Cable Index online series in addition to one other national newspaper.”
