AS Delta State Government navigates into the mainstream of the second year of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s first tenure, political communication strategist, and Director-General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Oghenesivbe has assured that the governor will continue to spring pleasant surprises.
Dr Oghenesivbe gave the assurance in a statement, yesterday, saying that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State lacked the moral and legal justification to fault the positive, and timely steps taken by Governor Oborevwori to comply with the new minimum wage payment.
Oghenesivbe disclosed that the salary and wages bills of Delta State is huge, compared to some states in Nigeria, and coupled with the wide range of socioeconomic and infrastructural development programmes currently embarked upon by Oborevwori’s administration.
He noted that payment of minimum wage, as approved by the federal government, should be rightly considered as an integral part of economic reforms by the APC government at the centre, requiring subnational governments to comply, so as to improve the living condition of workers, and not premised on competition or showmanship as portrayed by Delta APC’s media propaganda.
“Governor Oborevwori has empowered more farmers, youths, women and artisans than any state in Nigeria. It is a statement of fact which Delta APC cannot disproof. Delta is making waves, and waxing strong.”
He said the prompt approval of minimum wage payment by the governor cannot be faulted, and the amount approved resonates with economic realities, considering the state’s huge salary and wage bill.
“Therefore, Delta is not, and will never be in competition with any other state in terms of minimum wage payment, because her wage bill is huge, and in billions of Naira, but there is room for improvement in the future, subject to availability of funds,” Oghenesivbe added.
