Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose has joined the on-going strike called by labour unions in his state, saying he is handicapped by the financial situation of the state.
Fayose had been negotiating with labour union in his state with a view of convincing workers to go to back to work. But, his efforts didn’t yield the expected result.
So, the maverick governor decided to also “down his tools’ and join the workers in their industrial action. Fayose said his strike action was in solidarity with the worker’s situation.
Appealing to them to return to work, Fayose said he has opened up to labour leaders on the financial situation of the state.
He admitted that the situation was beyond him, saying things might continue that way until the country finds a solution to the economic crisis as a result of sharp decline in the price of oil.
“I want to tell workers that I have placed myself on indefinite strike in solidarity with them. I share your pains, but it is rather unfortunate that a man can’t give what he doesn’t have,” he said in a broadcast.
“Presently, I am handicapped and there is nothing I can do. I appeal that you put the interest of the state above everything, because the present position affects everybody.
“I have told you the true position of the finances of the state, of which you had played critical roles in allocation of federal allocations to relevant sectors which shows how well I had carried you along since the dwindling revenue to the state commenced.
“During my first term, I mean, 2003 to 2006, I used to pay salary of workers by 21st of every month. But the present situation is very unfortunate and we have to learn how to live with it until the country wriggles out of it and things will change for better.
“I want to say that I will be expecting you back to your offices when you are ready to return to work. I shall be expecting you.”
