- Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state has lamented the deplorable roads, hospitals and schools in the state, adding that poor finance was the root cause
- Akeredolu said there was no way Ondo could achieve meaningful development if the finance of the state does not improve
- He said to change the situation of things, civil servants must change their attitude to work and be loyal and dedicated in discharging their duties
Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, has expressed displeasure on the state of finance in the state, adding that it has left the schools, roads and hospitals in embarrassing situation, Premium Times reports.
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NAIJ.com gathered that the governor said this on Tuesday, January 2, while addressing workers on the first day of work in the new year.
Akeredolu said no meaningful development could be achieved if the current state of finances lingers.
He said: “The current financial situation, which leaves the state with virtually nothing after the payment of salaries, release of subventions and grants and service of outstanding debts, is deplorable.
“There can be no real development if this regrettable state of affairs continues. Therefore, the time has come when all those who truly desire progress for this state must be willing to sacrifice. What concerns all must be shared and borne by all. Our people must also feel the direct impact of governance.
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“We intend to shift attention, progressively, keenly and resolutely, to the provision of social infrastructure for the people.
“The embarrassing state of our roads, hospitals, schools and public utilities will be addressed. There is no gain asserting the obvious that the current practice cannot engender development."
Akeredolu said civil servants must change their attitude to work and be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their duties in order to change the situation of things.
He added that measures had been put in place by government to check leakages, while consultants had been engaged to ensure an increase in the revenues accruable to the state.
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He said: “We, on our part, will continue to reward merit and diligence. We will also not fail to sanction any acts which stand at variance with the dictates of decency and regulations.
“We acknowledge the outstanding arrears of 20 percent for October 2016. We have` also kept our promise to pay salaries promptly as soon as funds are available. The Government has paid salaries of workers since inception on the 24th February till December 2017."
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state said his administration inherited a debt burden of N220.58 billion at its inception.
Akeredolu made this known in Akure on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, while swearing-in commissioners and special advisers, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
You can watch this NAIJ.com video of Governor Akeredolu speaking on gubernatorial election in Ondo state
Source: Naija.ng