Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi, an economist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, has cautioned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, against borrowing from banks to pay salaries of the state civil servants. Ogunyemi advised Adeleke to ensure that salaries are paid based on the state's available funds rather than resorting to banks to borrow money to settle them.
During a radio interview monitored in Osogbo on Friday, Ogunyemi recommended that the Osun Inland Revenue Service (OIRS), the state's Internal Generation Revenue agency, be utilized to generate more funds instead of borrowing to pay salaries. He insisted that there must be a moratorium on borrowing, stressing that Osun must never borrow to pay salaries.
Ogunyemi also encouraged Adeleke to consult with his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to learn how he successfully paid Osun workers for four years without resorting to borrowing. He believes that politicking is over and the governor should approach Oyetola to learn how he governed Osun State during a critical period without the state going bankrupt.
In summary, Dr. Tunji Ogunyemi has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to avoid borrowing to pay salaries and use the available resources, such as the Osun Inland Revenue Service, to generate more funds. He advised Adeleke to learn from his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on how he paid Osun workers for four years without borrowing. This approach, according to Ogunyemi, will help prevent the state from going bankrupt.
