A Public Affairs Analyst, Pastor Samuel Ojo, has appealed to Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State to intervene in the plight of workers of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo( RUGIPO).
Ojo described it as pathetic over non implementation of the new minimum wage to the institution’s workers.
It’s reported that the RUGIPO workers on declared indefinite strike on Feb. 22 over non-implementation of N70,000 national minimum wage.
“It is disheartening to note that the oldest institution of higher learning in Ondo State is going down the lane and is capable of defaming the hard earned image of this citadel of learning.
“Academic activities in the institution have been put to a halt due to protests by the entire workforce.
“The demand of the workforce from both the school management and the state government is genuine enough to attract a deserved attention.
“Three months outstanding arrears of salary and a payment of N18,000 minimum wage at this crucial period in the economy deserves government’s attention,” he stated.
According to him, it is unfortunate that RUGIPO management and the government are not showing any concern on the issue in spite of appeals from the workers.
The public affairs analyst said that it was no longer news that workers in the institution had turned beggars because of inability to meet up with their financial needs.
“This is not fair enough for a government that claims to be worker-friendly.
“What sauce for the geese is equally sauce for the gander.
“If the civil servants in the state are receiving the approved minimum wage, why is RUGIPO staff being paid a ridiculous and obsolete N18, 000 minimum wage?,” he asked.
Ojo said that the state governor could not afford to feign ignorance on the partial act of treatment to workers of the polytechnic.
He said that turning workers to social misfits in the current challenging time would not reflect the good ideology of President Bola Tinubu.
“It is hoped that the events that made history for your predecessors can be replicated by you so that your tenure can be on the positive side of history.
” Create history, touch lives and govern to be remembered. The allocation to your state is enormous, let it make impacts as workers in Rugipo are groaning.
“You made a policy statement in transforming RUGIPO to a university of Agriculture and Agric business months ago, this is still in the dark.
“My amiable governor, you made a public and well celebrated promise on the payment of three months salary arrears but yet unfulfilled
“My dear governor, try to honour promises that are of mutual benefits and that have to do with life.
“You have made a promise to turn the pains of RUGIPO workers to gain.Doing this will put your name on the good book of history,” he appealed.
