By Tunde Bibi Aladenola
I read the position of Dr Akeredolu Oluwafemi on the stance of the NLC regarding the proposed ejection of civil servants from official quarters, along with the statements released by the Special Adviser to Mr Governor on Infrastructure, Engr Ayorinde Abiola.
It was immediately obvious to me that these two individuals lack a deep understanding of the motives behind the existence of official quarters for civil servants.
Firstly, it is completely wrong for the Special Adviser to unilaterally conceive an idea which, in my opinion, represents a major shift in government policy on the welfare of civil servants in Ondo State, and to take such a file to Mr Governor independently for approval. Upon receiving such a proposal from his Special Adviser, one would expect Mr Governor to have referred the matter to the Executive Council for deliberation before giving final approval. Permit me to say that such an approval would never have been granted by former governors like the late Dr Olusegun Agagu or Dr Olusegun Mimiko, governors who understood the importance of stability among the workforce.
In all honesty, a policy of this nature reveals a disconnection between Mr Governor and the entire workforce of the Ondo State Government. Obviously, Mr Governor is surrounded by aides who lack a deep understanding of governance.
The renovation and repair of government quarters has always been the responsibility of the state government from time immemorial. I recall that there was a department within the Ministry of Works in those days, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining these buildings.
I also know, as a fact, that on a yearly basis, provisions have always been made in the Ondo State budget to cater for such maintenance. What exactly has been done in recent times to justify these budgetary allocations?
Beyond civil servants, parts of the Alagbaka Government Quarters are allocated to members of the House of Assembly, State Executive Council members, heads of paramilitary organisations, judiciary (judges), military, electoral bodies, etc. So, the question to Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa is: why is this policy targeted solely at civil servants, considering that these buildings were constructed around the same period?
I saw pictures of dilapidated official quarters being circulated by aides of Mr Governor, but what they fail to realise is that they are showcasing the failure of their own government to meet expectations. Looking back now, considering recent developments, could it have been a deliberate neglect to justify the takeover?
Any government that fails to prioritise the welfare of its workforce will inevitably pay dearly. The Special Adviser, given the history of this state, is beginning to sow discord between the Ondo State workforce and his principal, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
The Special Adviser and his supporters of this unwholesome idea need to understand that these quarters were established at the creation of Ondo State as part of a welfare programme for civil servants to create stability and ensure their full commitment to government service. In other words, they are basic accommodations and are not expected to be luxury buildings.
For those of us who had the opportunity of living in government quarters during the days of the selfless administration of Pa Adekunle Ajasin, even under the military era, apart from the allocation of these quarters to civil servants, they were also furnished by the government. The maintenance of these buildings and furnishings was entirely handled by the government through the Ministry of Works.
The constant renovation of these quarters continued under the administrations of the late Chief Adebayo Adefarati, the late Governor Olusegun Agagu, and Dr Olusegun Mimiko. It was only when the APC came into power in Ondo State that the prioritisation of staff welfare beyond salary payment began to decline. And now, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has taken it to another level, stripping civil servants of their accommodation.
I can bet that the land on which these buildings stand will soon be shared among friends and allies of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Anyone who doubts this can take a drive around the Alagbaka Quarters/GRA. Private buildings are springing up everywhere in what was originally designated for government use.
Most of the mansions that appeared overnight were built and are owned by associates of the late Governor Odunayo Akeredolu. Even parts of Alagbaka Primary School, my alma mater and spaces originally designated for recreation and gardens have been sold, thus destroying the master plan of the Alagbaka GRA.
Issuing a six-month quit notice to the occupants shows the government’s insensitivity to the harsh economic realities. What is the purchasing power of these civil servants with their meagre salaries? Does anyone truly believe that a proposed N70,000 minimum wage is enough for officers on GLs 01 to 12 to afford decent 2- or 3-bedroom flats in Akure? A decent flat now costs between N800,000 and N1,500,000 per annum. And this is what Allen Sowore, Akeredolu Oluwafemi, and the rest expect civil servants to contend with? This is utterly insensitive.
Some of the quarters are allocated to the lower cadres of service, the all-important drivers, secretaries, who need to be in close proximity to work in order to serve the higher echelons, political appointees, and elected officials.
Why is the demolition particularly worrisome at this time? Just a few weeks ago, reports surfaced about the Deputy Governor and his staff lodging in hotels at public expense.
If this government cannot promptly complete the renovation of the Grace and Favour Home meant for the Deputy Governor, despite an appropriation of around N250 million, how can it be trusted to rebuild and allocate 156 housing units for civil servants? Considering the history of that deputy governor’s residence under the incumbent Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, one would have expected a prompt turnaround, rather than placing the Deputy Governor in a position where he could be accused of wasting public funds.
As a people, is this truly our priority? Certainly not. For the first time in the history of Ondo State, the Ilaje people control the NDDC, OSOPADEC, and hold the keys to the state’s treasury on all fronts, yet there is little of significance to show for their dominance. Chasing civil servants out of their modest accommodations should not be a priority for any responsible government. I hope and pray that Mr Governor listens to reason and intervenes accordingly.
One would expect that alternative provisions be made first in areas such as Obaile Road, Igbatoro Road, or Oda Road, which border Alagbaka. That is how responsible governments plan for the future, by building low-cost estates in such areas.
This would open up those locations, reduce pressure on Alagbaka Estate, and eventually make them sought-after highbrow areas. Other amenities would naturally follow. The Governor could even name the estate after himself, for posterity’s sake.
Governments across the globe have always preserved historical quarters and official residences in their original state. Many of the homes that people pay to visit during holidays are centuries old, preserved and maintained regardless of whether they are occupied.
Aladenola writes from the UK
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