Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has revealed that he earns a monthly salary of N503,000, significantly less than the N900,000 received by Permanent Secretaries in the state.
Oborevwori made the disclosure on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of 12 four-bedroom terraced duplexes and the presentation of 12 official vehicles to newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.
The governor explained that the salaries of Permanent Secretaries were recently increased following complaints that some directors were earning almost as much as those occupying the top administrative positions.
According to Oborevwori, the adjustment was intended to address the disparity and restore a clear salary gap between Permanent Secretaries and other senior civil servants.
He maintained that despite the enhanced remuneration of the Permanent Secretaries, his monthly salary remains at N503,000.
“When the Permanent Secretaries said most of the Directors are receiving almost the same thing with them, we increased their money. Today, Permanent Secretaries… Your salary is 900, my salary is 503,000, Governor’s salary.
“Head of Service is one million. It’s clear. So, you know some of them don’t want their husbands to know how much they are receiving,” he said.
Oborevwori said his administration had prioritised the welfare of civil servants, noting that official vehicles had been provided to serving Permanent Secretaries to improve their mobility and efficiency.
“To enhance their mobility and operational efficiency, we provided official vehicles to serving Permanent Secretaries. And today, it is my pleasure to present another 12 vehicles to the Permanent Secretaries that were recently sworn in,” he said.
He added that 302 public officers had benefited from the Public Officers’ Vehicle Loan Scheme, while 119 others had received support under the Public Officers’ Housing Loan Scheme.
The governor also said civil servants interested in agriculture had been provided with farm inputs to create additional income streams and contribute to food security.
He said 450 senior management staff had also received support to participate in a seven-weekend training programme through collaborations with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.
Oborevwori said the appointment of 12 Permanent Secretaries in May ensured that all 25 local government areas in Delta State were represented in the state civil service at the Permanent Secretary level, stressing that the appointments were based strictly on merit.
The governor also announced that the state had approved the payment of a 13th-month salary to civil servants beginning in December. He said an executive bill was being prepared to provide the necessary legal framework for the policy.
He charged civil servants and political appointees to uphold professionalism and accountability by shunning absenteeism, nepotism, waste, inefficiency, bribery and corruption.
Oborevwori assured the workforce that his administration would sustain investments in critical infrastructure while introducing further measures to improve efficiency, strengthen service delivery and enhance the welfare of civil servants.
