The organized labour in Kogi State has kicked against the decision of the state government to open ‘unsolicited salaries’ accounts’ with Access and Zenith Bank on behalf of civil servants without their consent.
In the statement jointly signed by the state chairman of NLC, Comrade Onuh Edoka, TUC chairman, Ojo Ranti and JNC chairman, Aaron Akeji, the organised labour described the new policy of government as an infringement on the fundamental human rights of workers to personal accounts with any bank of their choice.
State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT), Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi, has also condemned the new development, which he said has subjected teachers and other workers to untold hardships.
The government has however clarified its position on the matter, giving reasons why it decided on Access and Zenith banks for salary payment.
They stated that labour was not convinced of the reasons given by the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, over government’s decision on the issue.
The statement added: “Besides, most workers already have business commitments with their current banks predating this administration, implying that the policy will definitely set them against their banks.
“We have suffered for this wages several months and now we are passing through this suffering again and yet we do not get our wages and the whole thing comes to nothing. Whoever is concerned, we are appealing that they retrace their steps for sanity to come back”.
Governor Yahaya Bello said there were reasons why the government chose Access and Zenith banks for salary payment.
It stated, “Due to the prevailing economic situation, cash reserves of commercial banks domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria are currently competing for so many pressing needs simultaneously, making it increasingly difficult for the commercial banks to finance loan facilities, especially long-term ones.
“Access and Zenith Banks were however able to step up to the plate when Kogi State approached them. They made the first tranche of the state’s bailout funds available, but on one small condition; that the funds remain domiciled in their banks. If you ask me, and without giving it too much thought, it does make perfect business sense.
“These banks offer essentially homogeneous services, especially in this case where we are talking salary accounts. It would have been odd were Access and Zenith to be so liberal as to allow other banks benefit from an exclusive market they have basically created. So, rather than make these funds available to the state government to pay workers through other banks, why not internalise the entire process and start reaping accruable benefits from the get go?
“This explanation is very necessary as I have come across many wild allegations and insinuations that accounts being opened are for unethical purposes. Given the foregoing, any insinuations and speculations about shady, underhand dealings with regards to the disbursement of these bailout funds are completely unfounded.
“I admit that this situation where erroneous notions are already making the rounds should have been preempted. However, I believe it is not too late to correct the wrong impression some of us have held on this issue”.
