By THEANALYSTNG
Hours after an online television reported the alleged payment of N10,000 percentage salaries to workers of the Kogi State Transport Management Agency (KOTRAMA), over 50 staff suspected to be culpable have been placed on indefinite suspension by the Managing Director, Hon.Abdulrazaq Aminu Okakanda.
The fifty officials are the highway traffics that generate revenue for the state government.
When this reporter visited the KOTRAMA office yesterday, the offices where lucked and the workers are not seen on the highways
A staff of the agency, who never wanted his name in print told this reporter that the Managing Director gave the directive for the offices to be lucked.
“The Managing Director came to the office angrily and directed his secretary to serve some of the workers suspension letters. When I asked him reasons for his action, he said he will explain later. But till now he has not said anything to me”, the source explained.
Investigation reveals that the staff had protested the payment of N10,000 as salary as against the unprecedented achievements of Gov Usman Ahmed Ododo in the prompt and regular payment of salaries.
The staff had in their request and other staff of a tertiary institution appealed to Gov. Ododo to consider the staff for the payment of N72,000 minimum wage as well stop the payment of 80% as salaries to them.
But angered by the protest, and Nationalwatch Tv publication on Monday, the Managing Director of the Agency, Hon. Abdulrazaq Aminu Okakanda, according to sources asked the workers who have been with the agency to remain at home until further notice.
Recalled that the Managing Director, had in a swift reaction dispelled rumours making rounds that workers affiliated with the agency were receiving a meager N10,000 as monthly salary and are paid percentage-based salaries.
Meanwhile, in a statement on Monday, Hon Aminu said the agency, since its creation and enactment into law by the Kogi State House of Assembly in 2018, has consistently discharged its responsibilities, effectively managing road traffic issues, conducting vehicle inspections, and fulfilling other related purposes without failure.
The Managing Director explained that workers at KOTRAMA are not civil servants, but rather ad-hoc staff.
The statement read: “Their functions, remuneration, and benefits are governed by Section 28, Subsection B, which stipulates that ‘at the end of every month, the Agency shall retain only 20% as an administrative charge from the total generated revenue, while 80% shall be remitted into the Kogi State Internally Generated Revenue account’.
“Prior to my assumption of office in March 2024, the Agency’s records revealed that the ad-hoc staff typically generated monthly revenues between N100,000 to N180,000, and with 20%, they will be going home with meagre stipend.
“Upon assuming office, I was troubled by the ad-hoc staff’s meager earnings and wondered how they manage to sustain themselves in their roles. I conducted a thorough investigation into the Agency’s activities, which revealed that some staff members had been engaging in unethical practices, including taxing motorists without remitting the funds to the Agency for proper accounting and logging into the revenue account.
“This offense warranted dismissal, but after the culprits pleaded, the penalty was waived, and they were instead placed under close monitoring. Despite that, I wrote a memo pleading for upward consideration of the percentage which Gov Ododo approved instantly.
“The state government’s decision to now allocate 50% of the revenue for administrative purposes was a special consideration intended to benefit the ad-hoc staff far above other state government workers. Nevertheless, considering their productivity, it is essential to examine who is accountable for this disappointing outcome.
“Although the Agency faces equipment shortages that could have enhanced productivity, an issue the State government is also currently addressing. This challenge does not excuse the staff’s lack of integrity and accountability.
“It’s no secret that the detractors of Kogi State are unhappy with the remarkable progress achieved under the leadership of His Excellency, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo. The Governor’s exemplary commitment to the welfare of Kogi citizens, particularly civil servants, is evident in the improved minimum wage, prompt payment of 100% salaries, pension, and gratuity.
“We urge those who are envious of these achievements to acknowledge the Governor’s efforts and give credit where it’s due. If they cannot appreciate the progress being made, perhaps they should redirect their negative energy elsewhere.
“Governor Ododo’s administration has indeed brought about transformative changes in Kogi State, and it’s essential to recognize and celebrate these accomplishments.”
The workers are however appealing to Gov. Ododo to come to their aid, been their families bread winners and having worked for the State for over six years they have no where to turn to in search of job.
