‎Revealed: Osun APC Plots Downward Review of Osun Minimum Wage Table

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‎Recent reports circulating within Osun political circles have raised concerns about a purported plan by one of the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial aspirants, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), to downwardly review the existing minimum wage structure for Osun workers if elected as governor.

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‎According to a source close to his campaign, AMBO’s alleged intention to adjust the wage scale downward is tied to what he describes as the “harsh economic realities” currently affecting Nigeria. While economic challenges are undeniable, the idea of slashing workers’ salaries at a time like this is not only controversial but deeply troubling.

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‎Osun State under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke is currently recognized as one of the few states paying above the national minimum wage approved by the Federal Government. This higher wage has been one of the few economic reliefs cushioning workers against rising living costs, inflation, and persistent hardship.

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Another source disclose that the stakeholders within the AMBO campaign organization have expressed deep resentment to local government workers across Osun State for insisting on not working with the yes/no chairmen and has concluded plans to deal with them by reviewing the current minimum wage table downward.

They also added that names of all NULGE excos backing the ongoing NULGE strike at the state and local government level have been collated and would be properly dealt with if elected as Governor.

‎Given this context, any talk, open or secret about reviewing wages downward, sacking of legitimate workers at the state and local government level, raises legitimate fears. Workers, already battling with soaring prices and stagnant incomes, cannot afford another blow. Reducing the minimum wage or proposing downsizing of state workforce in today’s economic hardship would not represent “economic prudence” but rather a step backward in workers’ welfare, an area the current administration has given top priority.

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‎If AMBO truly intends to lead Osun into a future of progress, the conversation should be about improving productivity, expanding revenue, and promoting economic innovation, not cutting from the pockets of those who already have too little.

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‎Osun people deserve leaders whose plans for the workforce are clear, fair, and aligned with the realities of everyday life. Any hint of policies that could worsen workers’ hardship and return Osun state back to painful reality of yesterday must be openly discussed not hidden behind political maneuvering.

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‎In the end, voters will decide. But they must decide with full knowledge of every candidate’s intentions, especially on issues as critical as salaries and livelihood.

During the electioneering campaign of 2022, Senator Adeleke promised not to only prioritize workers welfare, but also pay arrears owed by previous administration, that promise is being fulfilled diligently now. It is this kind of clear and concise campaign promise that Osun people demand as we head to the next campaign period.