Promises workers new minimum wage
By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin
Last week could best be described as an exciting one for the judiciary in Kwara state the State Government took the welfare of judges at the state High Court a step higher when Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq last Tuesday presented top-of the range Toyota Jeeps to the judges. The vehicles which would undoubtedly enhance their performances are to replace the old ones given to the judges by the last administration eight years ago.
Also, on Workers Day, Governor AbdulRazaq told Kwara Civil servants that his administration ,would continue to review its responses within current realities, including the implementation of new minimum wage as soon as all processes have been concluded.
Leading the pack of the beneficiaries, the Chief Judge, Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, got a 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser for the use of his office, in what underlined the administration’s efforts to make the judges more comfortable in their service to the state and the country.
At the official presentation of the vehicles to the affected judges at the State High Court Ilorin, Justice Abiodun Adebara, disclosed that earlier in February this year, five Toyota Jeeps were allocated to Five of the State High Court Judges from the money made available by the state government under the 2023 Budget. He added that five new Toyota Jeeps procured under the 2024 approved budget were allocated to another five of the judges of the state High Court on 30th of April this year. “Also, this morning, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq released another seven Toyota vehicles to the judiciary, six of which are meant for the six new judges to be appointed,” Justice Adebara announced.
The Chief Judge explained that the purchase of a brand new vehicle is a condition precedent for the appointment of a new judge.
“These appointments are in the offing, and this is one of the requirements of the National Judicial Council (NJC). There must be a vehicle on ground before the appointment of a new judge for inspection. His Excellency has supplied six vehicles, and the seventh one is for the office of the Chief Judge. I want to sincerely thank Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who has been so friendly to the judiciary of Kwara State. He has been treating our requests with dispatch in positive ways.
“What we are witnessing is another positive impact of his administration on the money allocated to the judiciary in the 2024 budget under vehicle procurement. He promptly approved it. The money was released to the judiciary,” Justice Adebara explained.
The Chief Judge however recalled that the last time judges received vehicles from the government was eight years ago apart from the judges appointed in 2020 and applauded AbdulRazaq for his care for the state judiciary. “The last time these judges had vehicles from the government was eight years ago. How will eight-year-old vehicles look like today in terms of efficiency? Some of our judges are not even within Ilorin. It will enhance our jobs and the dignity of the office of a judge. So, it will complement our jobs and boost the morale of judges. I give glory to God, and I appreciate the amiable governor of the state for prioritising this important need of the judiciary among other competing needs in the state. We are very grateful. We still have some judges who are yet to have their vehicles. I believe very soon, they will have their own.”the state Chief Judge said.
Meanwhile, in his address to the workers on May Day, Governor AbdulRazaq expressed appreciation to the organised labour and the workers in Kwara State for their support, understanding and resilience.He assured workers that his government will implement another minimum wage as soon as all processes have been concluded.
His words: “Workers are an integral component of governance. They are the life-wire that drives governmental activities geared towards sustainable development. We recognise the invaluable contributions of workers to the socioeconomic growth and development of our state. It is almost a year since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu declared the removal of fuel subsidy in the country. This important policy decision has had varying impacts on how we live and meet basic needs, and we are in it together. “Amid other competing demands of public administration, infrastructural development, and keeping the fabrics of the society together, our administration has responded in various ways to mitigate the teething effects of the reforms. We have introduced a monthly transport support, otherwise known as wage award, staggered working days, and implemented various promotion and other welfare packages that are meant to strengthen the spending powers of the workers. We have similarly rolled out different layers of support to the general public in our holistic approach to lessen the impacts of the reforms.
“We will continue to review our responses within current realities, including the implementation of another minimum wage as soon as all processes have been concluded.
“As our country courageously navigates the post-subsidy challenges, we acknowledge the fact that we have a responsibility to provide good and sustainable governance to the people of Kwara, and we are committed to always remain true to the oath we have sworn to protect the people.
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