Organised labour in Kogi State has pulled out from the Agricultural Alternative Investment Scheme, (AARIS).
This was made known on Thursday in a letter addressed to the Head of Service titled: “DISCONTINUATION OF PARTICIPATION BY ORGANISED LABOUR. RE: AGRIBUSINESS ALTERNATIVE RETIREMENT INVESTMENTI
SCHEME (AARIS).
The letter signed by NLC, TUC Secretaries; Comrade Owoeye A.O and Comrade KOLAWOLE James respectively and copied to the Ministry of Agriculture reads in part.
“The above subject matter refers. You will recall that your office, the State Ministry of Agriculture and Organized Labour has being collaborating in the processes and involvement of the civil servants in the Agribusiness Alternative Retirement Investment Scheme (AARIS) championed by Mr. Idoko, I. Joseph of OPPDAN in the State.
“Sequel to our several discussions with the Office of the Head of Civil Service, Kogi State and the Anchor of the AARIS Programme, coupled with the unclear nature of the programme, we the Organized Labour in our view has the following observations amongst others:
i.There has been no update from the Anchor of the Programme since December, 2020, (we have no information to pass on to our members)
ii. No evidence of the list of would-be/successful beneficiaries,
iii. Rumors of allegation about Labour demanding gratification from the
Anchor man, and
iv. The persistent uncultured attitude of Mr. Idoko I. Joseph not only to Krganized Labour but also to government officers whenever
observations and/or questions about the scheme are raised.
“In view of the above, the Organized Labour has taken a stand that, we can no longer continue with our participation and/or involvement in the programme.
“However, if the Office of the Head of Civil Service wish to continue with the programme, with a guaranteed commitment to the entire workforce, the Organized Labour wish her well in the process.
“We thank you for your continuous collaboration. Accept our esteem regards.”