The Forum of Past Political Aides to Delta State House of Assembly members has escalated tensions with the state government and the assembly over unpaid allowances, issuing a stern warning and threatening legal action if their demands are not met promptly.
In a letter dated June 6, 2024, addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori through their legal counsel, D.O. Jarikre and Associates, the Forum of Past Political Aides of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Assemblies expressed deep dissatisfaction with the continued neglect of their entitlements despite repeated appeals.
The legal counsel, representing the aides, highlighted the forum’s frustration over the non-payment of furniture and severance allowances owed to them. According to the letter, aides who served during the 5th Assembly have yet to receive their furniture allowances, while those from the 5th, 6th, and 7th Assemblies are awaiting severance allowances.
The correspondence underscored the aides’ efforts to resolve the issue amicably, citing numerous letters and appeals made to the Delta State Government since July 2022, including a recent plea addressed directly to Governor Oborevwori. Despite these efforts, no payments have been forthcoming.
The letter disclosed that the Forum had previously been advised by the Governor’s Chief of Staff to redirect their requests to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, who also served during the 6th Assembly. However, subsequent reminders sent in April 2024 yielded no response.
In a final ultimatum, the legal team demanded that all outstanding allowances be settled within 30 days from June 6, 2024. They cautioned that failure to meet this deadline would compel them to initiate legal proceedings against the Delta State Government for breach of contract.
The appointment letters of the aides stipulate entitlement to 300 percent of their Annual Basic Salary as furniture allowance and an equivalent severance gratuity, payable upon the successful completion of their tenure or on a pro-rata basis after two years of service.
As the standoff persists, the former political aides remain resolute in their demand for fair compensation, while the Delta State Government faces mounting pressure to resolve the issue promptly to avert legal repercussions.
