The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has criticized Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s announcement of a ₦73,000 minimum wage for civil servants, calling it a “Greek gift” aimed at securing votes in the upcoming governorship election. The party made this assertion in a statement released on Monday.
Aiyedatiwa unveiled the new minimum wage during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign in Ondo West Local Government Area on Saturday. The PDP, represented by its Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ayo Fadaka, expressed concerns over the timing and context of the announcement, suggesting that it politicizes the welfare of state workers.
The statement from the PDP read, “It is disrespectful to announce the new minimum wage for dignified and decorous Ondo State workers on the podium of an electioneering event, thereby politicizing the welfare of the state civil service to gain undue political mileage ahead of the gubernatorial election slated for November 16. The civil servants in Ondo State perceive this latest promise of a new minimum wage increment as another Greek gift intended to deceive unsuspecting members of the state civil service into voting for him.”
The PDP further criticized Aiyedatiwa’s announcement as poorly timed, stating that the civil servants have been misled in the past and would not be easily swayed this time. “Once bitten, twice shy,” they added.
In response, Governor Aiyedatiwa defended his decision, cautioning the PDP against exploiting workers’ welfare for political gain. His Special Assistant on New Media, Sunday Abire, issued a statement asserting that the governor genuinely cares for the workers and does not intend to use the minimum wage announcement for political advantage.
Abire stated, “Aiyedatiwa will never say a thing he does not mean. He didn’t announce ₦73,000 as minimum wage to score political points. It is shameful for the PDP to think that there aren’t apolitical procedures for implementing the minimum wage.”
He emphasized that the workers of Ondo State have decided to support the party and the governor, who treats them fairly with timely salary payments and benefits. Abire remarked, “The people have noted the PDP’s anger following the announcement of a robust minimum wage that is not yet obtainable in any state in Nigeria. May Ondo State workers, whom the PDP wishes to suffocate, continue to thrive under Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership beyond 2025.”
The statement concluded by urging the PDP to reassess its stance and recognize that the new minimum wage reflects a year of growth for the workers of Ondo State. “No controversy. Prosperity is here to stay with Governor Aiyedatiwa in the saddle,” it read.
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