Raising concerns over the N70,000 new minimum wage approved by Governor Godwin Obaseki, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, described it as a Greek gift, given with treacherous intentions.
In a statement issued in Abuja by his media office, Okpebholo made the allegation.
During the inauguration of the ultra-modern Labour House secretariat complex for labour unions in the state, Obaseki announced the increase of the state’s minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000.
Okpebholo, however, believes that this move is a political strategy to sway the upcoming September governorship election in favor of the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
He emphasized the need for civil servants to receive better treatment from the State Government rather than being misled with superficial benefits. He highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure like schools, hospitals, roads, and housing for civil servants as critical issues.
Asserting his plans for a different approach, Okpebholo promised a focus on providing quality healthcare, housing, and efficient transportation beyond just increasing the minimum wage.
Challenging Obaseki on the whereabouts of the N5bn allocation from the Federal Government meant as palliatives for civil servants in the state, Okpebholo demanded transparency and accountability.
He questioned the silence of the Edo State Government on providing additional financial support to civil servants amidst the turmoil caused by the fuel subsidy removal, unlike other states that took proactive measures to alleviate the burden on their employees. This, he claimed, raises suspicions about the misuse of funds and potential voter manipulation by Obaseki.