By Laiatu Augustine Bamaiyi, Birnin Kebbi
A Kebbi based civil service advocate, Mr. Joe Duniya, has responded to a recent statement issued by the Chief Press secretary insisting that his earlier comments on workers’ welfare were genuine and not politically motivated.
In a detailed rejoinder made available, Mr Duniya said his observations were driven by concern for civil servants still awaiting their leave grant, full implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage, and the restoration of promotions and annual increments.
“At no point did I say the leave grant will not be paid. My concern was simply when civil servants will receive it, since the year is running out and workers are anxious,” he explained.
“Asking for clarity is not a fabrication it’s a genuine concern of workers who rely on this entitlement to support their families.”
On the minimum wage implementation, Mr Duniya questioned whether the ₦75,000 wage applies to all categories of workers, including local government employees and primary school teachers, stressing that “if it has been implemented, workers should clearly see it reflected in their pay slips.”
He urged the government to publish the salary adjustment table used for implementation to ensure transparency and public confidence in the process.
Mr Duniya further criticized what he described as the government’s silence on pending promotions and halted annual increments, saying this omission from the official response “confirms the reality that workers continue to face unaddressed welfare issues.”
“The silence itself proves that what I raised was not fabricated but reflects the reality civil servants are facing,” he stated.
The advocate also advised the Ministry of Finance to computerize payroll and promotion systems, noting that automation would “reduce human interference, enhance efficiency, and eliminate unnecessary delays,” as practiced in other states.
On comments attributed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, suggesting that only the NLC can raise such matters, Mr Duniya maintained that every citizen has the constitutional right to speak on governance and labour welfare.
“While the NLC is the official labour body, it does not silence the voice of any concerned citizen,” he emphasized.
“Freedom of speech is a constitutional right, and constructive criticism should be welcomed, not condemned.”
He reaffirmed that his stance was non-political and independent, declaring
“I am not sponsored by any opposition or political group. My only motivation is to stand for truth and for the rights of civil servants in Kebbi State.”
Duniya concluded with a call to the state government to take decisive steps to:
1. Pay the pending leave grant without delay.
2. Implement annual increments and promotions fully.
3. Make the minimum wage implementation table public for transparency
Meanwhile, speaking to a well wishes name withheld reiterated that the government remains committed to fulfilling its promises to workers.
“The administration of Governor Nasir Idris has prioritized workers’ welfare more than any previous government. he said.
The process of payment and adjustment is ongoing, and every eligible worker will benefit,” the official assured.
the renewed exchanges between concerned citizens, the NLC, highlight growing public demand for transparency and accountability.
As the debate continues, on the street civil servants across the state remain hopeful that their long awaited entitlements will soon be fulfilled, marking what many see as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to worker welfare and reform.
In a Vox Pop interview with Observers, however, note that the renewed exchanges highlight growing public demand for transparency and accountability in Kebbi State’s civil service .
As the debate continues, civil servants across the state remain hopeful that their long awaited entitlements will soon be fulfilled, marking what many see as a crucial test of the government’s commitment to worker welfare and reform.
