By Austin Ogwuda
BARELY two weeks after the workers of the Delta State House of Assembly went on strike exactly the day of the anniversary celebration of one Year in office of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, another group of workers are threatening fire and brimstone.
They are former Legislative Aides to the Members of the State House of Assembly, comprising politicians and professionals who served in the previous Assembly dispensations, namely the 5th, 6th and 7th.
The Aides, under the banner of the Forum of Past Political Aides of the 5th, 6th and 7th Assembly, voiced out their frustrations and anger over the vexed issue through a letter from their lawyer, which was made available to The Townhall.
The letter from Messrs. D. O. Jarikre & Associates was specifically addressed to the State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, who was the Speaker of the House during part of the period.
The letter was dated June 6, 2024 and copied to the incumbent Speaker of the House; Secretary to the State Government SSG; State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; Chairman, Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission and Clark of the Delta State.
According to the letter, “Our clients have informed us and provided several documents which we believe to be true, showing that they are the current Executive of the Forum of Past Political Aides of the 5th, 6th and 7th Assembly, Delta State House of Assembly.
*That the Forum members claimed that those who served during the 5th Assembly were yet to receive their furniture allowances. Additionally, Aides from the 5th Assembly 6th Assembly and 7th Assembly are still owed severance allowances.
*That during the period under reference, our clients functioned as Political Aides to members of the Delta State House of Assembly. Several benefits and/or allowances due to them were not paid.
*That there were efforts made by the Forum to resolve the issue, referencing various letters sent to the concerned offices since July 28, 2022.
*That these letters include a recent one addressed to Governor Oborevwori, who previously served as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly from the end of the second year of the 5th Assembly to the end of the 7th Assembly.
“That our client have written several letters appealing to the various arms of the Delta State Government responsible for the payments. Despite these appeals, no payments have been received.
“In one of the letters”, the legal firm went on, “the Governor’s Chief of Staff advised the Forum to direct their request to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who also served in the 6th Assembly. However, despite a reminder sent on April 23, 2024, there has been no response.
The legal team has now issued a final demand for the payment of all outstanding allowances within 30 days from June 6, 2024.
“Your Excellency, having made several overtures to the Delta State Government and patiently explored all avenues to have this matter settled amicably to no avail, our clients are constrained to demand the payment of all their outstanding allowances without further delay”.
The letter warned that if the allowances were not paid within the stipulated time, the Forum will initiate legal proceedings against the Delta State Government for breach of contract.
“In the event of further default, neglect, or refusal to pay the said benefits within thirty days, our clients will be left with no option but to institute legal action in a court of competent jurisdiction”, the letter warned.
The Townhall gathered that according to the Aides’ appointment letters, they are entitled to 300 percent of their Annual Basic Salary as a furniture allowance and the same amount as severance gratuity, payable upon the successful completion of their tenure or on a pro-rata basis after two years of service.