Edo workers in the civil and public service in particular and others in the state can now see what the Governor Monday Okpebholo administration is doing to make Edo rise again with good and outstanding works across the state
It is becoming obvious to every doubting Thomases or arm chair critics of the Governor that every decision taken so far through the SHINE Agenda are products of the Governor’s principles of diligence, fairness, compassion and responsibility to give back, to lift others and to be a blessing to as many people as possible.
The Governor has made it known that he made up his mind to lead with the same principle that guided his personal life, practicality, from the first day.
Okpebholo believes that leadership must be felt, not just heard. It must produce results that touch people’s lives directly. Every decision made and every policy are rooted in that same belief: that governance must serve people and not power.
In the words of the Governor, this responsibility is not one he takes lightly and he has carried it with the fear of God, guided by time tested principles, and driven by a deep passion for the ordinary Edo man and woman
Now, the directive of Gov Okpebholo that all Edo State civil and public servants employed before January 2017 be excluded from the Contributory Pension Scheme CPS and returned to the Defined Benefits Scheme DBS has revealed the act of kindness of a man who identifies with the plight of the people
With this directive it means that the government goes back to paying pensions directly instead of workers and the govt contributing monthly.
This policy initiated by the past administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki has affected thousands of workers who were “caught in the middle” for 8+ years.
There have been lamentations amongst retired workers and thousands of Edo civil servants employed before January 2017 lived in pension limbo.
They were enrolled in the Contributory Pension Scheme CPS, but with irregular remittances, unrealistic rewards for working for 35 years, confusion, and fear about retirement.
But last week Governor Monday Okpebholo ended that uncertainty by directing that all workers employed before January 2017 be excluded from CPS and returned to the Defined Benefits Scheme DBS.
What great news and relief for workers in the state. It is one of the most people-centered decisions of the “New Edo” administration.
When Edo adopted CPS in 2017, it was meant to guarantee pensions. But in reality, pre-2017 workers were the worst hit.
Many had 10, 15, even 20 years of service under DBS before being moved to CPS. Their contributions were inconsistent. Some retired and waited years for benefits. Morale collapsed.
In the past, Workers have been asking one question: “Will my years of service be wasted?” The kind-hearted Okpebholo administration has answered those workers questions and their anxiety has been put to rest with a capital “No.”
The Okpebholo directive has no doubt restored dignity to Edo state civil and public service. A teacher who started work in 2005 should not retire and be told her pension calculation starts from 2017. DBS recognizes total years of service.
With DBS, the government takes direct responsibility. Workers can now plan retirement without fear of “missing contributions” or PFA issues.
A civil service that trusts its pension system works better. Doctors, teachers, and clerks will serve with peace of mind knowing their future is secure.
There is no doubt that the responsibility of the government exiting CPS and returning to DBS is not cheap. It means the Edo Government must budget seriously for pensions and gratuities.
But leadership is about priorities. Gov Okpebholo has shown that the welfare of workers comes first. The same administration that approved ₦500m monthly for AAU and paid salary arrears understands that a motivated workforce delivers results.
To make this work, 3 things must be followed and they include prompt payment of pensions and gratuities that must be paid as at when due. No more “pension queues.”A transparent audit of all pre-2017 workers to avoid ghost names.
There must be Communication across the Ministries and LGAs and they must educate workers so there is no confusion. This directive is more than policy. It is a message: “If you serve Edo, Edo will take care of you under a responsive government
For 35 years Edo has produced men and women who gave their best to the state. Many are retiring now. They deserve to retire with dignity, not debt.
By returning pre-2017 workers to DBS, Senator Monday Okpebholo has chosen the path of compassion over bureaucracy.
That is governance with a human face. That is a New Edo has risen
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Eubaldus Enahoro was former Editor of the Nigerian Observer Newspaper
