By Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has debunked the rumour making the round that he would sack workers in his second term in office.

AbdulRazaq, who debunked the rumour at an interactive session with the state civil servants as part of activities marking the State Civil Service Week 2022 in Ilorin, said the welfare of the civil servants is most paramount to his administration as he implored the workers to show more commitment to the policies and programmes of the state government geared towards making life more meaningful for the citizenry.

He said: “Nobody is going to be sacked, it is a political gimmick to blackmail our administration. We need your services, we believe in you, only do your work diligently.”

The Governor, who stressed the need to make life better for every civil servant in the state, urged them to be dedicated and committed to their duties and also appreciate the efforts of the government for them in order for government to do more for them, adding that the issue of paternity leave currently approved by the federal government for its male civil servants would be looked upon for the male civil servants in the state.

AbdulRazaq, who also highlighted the achievements of his administration in all spheres, noted that the workers are the engine room of the state, adding that civil servants should be kept in high esteem as they prioritise the payment of salary and gratuity. He added that without the civil servants, the government would collapse.

The Head of Service, Mrs Susan Modupe Oluwole, who commended the Governor for his laudable achievements in the state, said the workers would continue to strive to do their best, adding that the best civil servant would be rewarded with a car. She said a football match would also be played at the grand-finale of the civil service week, adding that workers should reciprocate government’s good gesture because, according to her, to whom much is given much is expected.

The Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Issa Ore, commended the state governor for paying the salaries of workers and other entitlements as at when due.

Some of the civil servants who spoke at the event also commended the state governor for the prompt payment of salaries, implementation of minimum wage, training and retraining of civil servants, gender sensitivity, implementation of violence against person law, among others, and demanded for more to enhance their efficiency.

They also called on the government to reintroduce leave bonus for civil servants and for the interactive session to be quarterly. .