Paris Club Refund: Ajimobi promises to pay workers, pensioners before Xmas

Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has promised that pensioners and workers in the state’s public service would celebrate the coming end-of-the-year festivities with smiles with the expected refund of the Paris Club excess deduction to the state.

The governor made the promise in his address during the Mawlid An Nabiyy (celebration of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) at the Government House Arcade, Agodi, Ibadan, yesterday.

Ajimobi, who said he was pained by the cash crunch that had made regular payment of salaries and pensions impossible, expressed optimism that the state would be able to pay at least two months salaries out of the three months arrears before the celebrations.

With a workforce of over 40,000, which he said was one of the largest in the country, the governor said the administration had been very prudent in the management of the dwindling accruals to the state, adding: “We are ruling this state with the fear of God. And I’m confident that those who are yet to come to terms with my positive interventions will sing my praise at the end of my tenure. Those abusing me today out of lack of understanding will celebrate me tomorrow.”

On the essence of the Prophet’s birthday celebration, the governor said it was an occasion to remind the people of the need to love and respect one another and fear only the Almighty in all their endeavours.

A popular Islamic preacher, Sheik Muyideen Bello, and Chairman of the state’s Muslim Community, Alhaji Kunle Sanni, said Ajimobi deserved all the plaudits he had so far received from the Islamic faithful.