Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has enjoined the people the state to remain vigilant and security conscious as Nigerians celebrate Christmas.
In his message to the people, the Governor said while many PDP states are unable to pay salaries in arrears of three to four months, the Edo State Government has met its salary obligation up to date.
According to him, next year presents Nigerians with unique opportunity to vote out bad leadership that have been a clog in the wheel of progress.
He said: “despite the economic hardship and lean resources accruing to the state from the federation account, the good news is that the state government has paid all workers in the state civil service, including the teachers their salaries for December, 2014 to enable them enjoy the yuletide with their loved ones.
“This is in contrast to what obtains in many states of the federation, especially the PDP–controlled states, where worker are being owed salaries in arrears of three, four months and even in some cases up to eight months.
“As we approach the General elections holding in February, next year, less than two months away, Nigerians have another opportunity to elect credible leaders who will rise above the present empty rhetoric of the PDP government to confront the challenges facing the nation.
“Even as they admonish the masses to tighten their belts, the few rich ones display nauseating ostentatious affluence in the midst of grinding poverty staring Nigerians in the face.
“As progressives, we must remain optimistic in the Nigerian project as we have another opportunity, next year, to punish bad leaders with our votes and ensure that the desired Change is achieved for the benefit of all.
“Nigerians must rise above ethnicity, religious preference and clannish inclinations which they seek to exploit to divide the masses. We must never forget that poverty and bad governance are not defined by religion or ethnicity but by inefficient leadership. This is why the time for change is now, more than ever before.
“While wishing the people of Edo State a Merry Christmas and a bountiful New Year, we urge them to continue to support the state Government in its drive and determination to move the state to the next level.”
