EKITI GOVT. PROMISES IMPROVED WELFARE FOR JUDICIARY WORKERS
Written by Lere Olayinka   
Wednesday, 02 December 2009
Ekiti State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole has assured the striking judiciary workers in the State of government's preparedness to implement an improved welfare package for them.
The commissioner made this known at a negotiation meeting held between the State chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) and the State government over the new salary structure being demanded by the workers.
Oyewole, who noted that the State government was ready to do everything humanly possible to improve the welfare of the workers, pointed out that; “Whatever we are going to do will be within the limit of our resources and financial wherewithal.”
On the New Salary Structure, the commissioner said that the State government would not do that which would be impossible to achieve and which could not be sustained.
The commissioner appealed to JUSUN in the State to also consider its request and tailor them in line with the financial capability of the State, saying; “We are desirous of making our workers happy and that's why we set up a committee to look into your demands.
“It is our desire that the demands are met and we are going to do just that putting into consideration the financial resources of the State.
“We hold you in very high esteem and that was why we gave the judiciary in the State financial autonomy. As I speak with you, a bill for the establishment of the Judiciary Pension Board is before the State House of Assembly and we are sure that the bill will be passed soon.”
Ekiti State Governor, Engr. Segun Oni had set up a committee to look into the demands of the workers with a view to find ways of addressing them.
Members of the committee included the State Acting Chief Judge, Justice Silas Oyewole, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Gboyega Oyewole, Commissioner of Finance and economic Planning, prince Tunji Adeniyi, Head of Service, Mr. Femi Adewumi, the State's Chief Registrar, Mr. I .O. Ogunyemi and Secretary, Judicial Service Commission, Mr. Segun Ajaja.
The committee are to look into the financial implication of the New Salary Structure for the judiciary staff in the State.
The New Salary Structure, if approved would increase the judicial workers' wage bill by N95 million per month and N1.14 billion per annum.