Fayemi slashes own salary, aides by 50 percent
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Governor of Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemo has slashed his monthly salary and emolument by 50 per cent. The Governor has also slashed salaries and allowances of all political appointees by the same margin.
The Governor said he needed to do that to save for the raining day and that the savings would be invested in human and capital development of the State. Aare Muyiwa Olumilua Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation in a statement made available to Irohinoodia, said the state took the decision ijnthe face of economic realities brought by COVID-19
The statement noted “upon the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 scourge, the global economy has been severely affected, with the depression affecting Nigeria as a nation, and expectedly, our dear Ekiti State.”
It stated further “As a responsive and responsible government, the Fayemi-led administration has taken stock of our financial situation, vis-a-vis our constantly decreasing receipts from the federation account, as well as our dwindling internally generated revenue (IGR), and has been forced to wake up to the current realities of our fiscal position.”
Fayemi said with promises made to the Ekiti people while seeking their mandate, coupled with the moral duty of improving their welfare, a time for making difficult decisions is at hand, and make them we must.
He said in light of the foregoing, salaries of all political appointees in the State, will be slashed by 50%, with immediate effect.
He said “Savings from this pay cut will be channelled into the execution, and completion of developmental projects in the State, as hitherto planned. The pay cut will affect the Governor himself, the Deputy Governor, and all political appointees down the line. Salaries of civil servants will not be affected by this directive, and shall maintain status quo.”
He added “This sacrifice is for the welfare of the Ekiti people, which should take pre-eminence over and above all other considerations. Your patriotism, patience, and co-operation, is highly appreciated at all times.”