‘BudgIT obviously got its data wrong’ — Edo, Ebonyi, Imo deny owing workers’ salaries 

Edo, Ebonyi and Imo states have denied allegations of non-payment of workers’ salaries.

On Thursday, BudgIT, a civic-tech organisation, expressed concerns over the refusal of state governments to pay workers’ salaries.

It said at least 12 states owe their workers at least one month’s salary as of July 28, 2022.

But reacting in different statements made available to TheCable on Friday, the states debunked the outcome of BudgIT’s findings.

Crusoe Osagie, spokesperson to the governor on media, said the “report is false, adding that the state government is up to date and consistent with payment of salaries, including local government council workers.

“We hereby debunk the misleading media report by a civic-tech organisation, BudgIT, that the Edo state government is owing workers six months’ salaries. The report is not only false and mischievous, it is also disingenuous in its intents,” Osagie said.

“BudgIT obviously got its data wrong. Regrettably, an organisation which should uphold the principles of data integrity and accuracy is involved in spreading incorrect information. 

“The Edo state government does not owe state workers salaries. On the contrary, Edo is the first state to increase the minimum wage to N40,000 above the nationally approved N30,000. It has also been consistent in paying the new wage to workers.

“In fact, the government has over time made it a duty to announce the payment of salaries as soon as workers get their credits on or before the 26th day of every month.

“The governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration prioritises the welfare of its workers and has maintained a cordial relationship with workers across boards, leading to a harmonious labour atmosphere in the state.”

Osagie urged organisations to seek accurate information from relevant authorities.

Chooks Oko, the special assistant to Governor David Umahi on media and strategy, also claimed that the report is false as regards unpaid salaries.

“The data about Ebonyi owing salaries was made up as the state has NEVER owed even a month’s salary,” he said.

The Imo state government also denied owing salaries.

Declan Emelumba, the commissioner for information, told TheCable that the report is false and made documents available to show that the salaries were up to date.

“As you can see we have paid salaries up to July,” he said.

“The government of Senator Hope Uzodimma has a reputation for prompt and regular payment of salaries and pensions as and when due. The so-called data from BudgIT is a total and malicious fabrication. It’s absolutely false.”