By Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

The people of Osun state are already groaning following the effects of the industrial action embarked by civil servants in the state.

Already, food vendors around the secretariat and commercial drivers plying the route are complaining of poor patronage.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in the state had on Monday directed all civil servants to commence indefinite industrial action over non payment of their outstanding salaries.

NLC and other affiliate unions had issued a  14-day ultimatum to  the government to pay the outstanding salaries.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo, before the commencement of the industrial action, the NLC  chairman, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, said apart from the issue of unpaid salaries, workers are also demanding payment of deductions from their contributory pension scheme.

He said: “I direct that an indefinite strike should be commenced by all the workers in the State of Osun as from Tuesday, 26th May, 2015 due to the failure of the government to accede to our legitimate demands, as contained in our letter dated 12th May, 2015”.

Reacting to the development, Director of Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of Osun governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said: “The root of all these issues being raised is insufficient funds. Regardless of the terrible revenue crisis that has led us to this, we must bear in mind the very prudent manner the Aregbesola   government has managed the affairs of Osun. Therefore, workers can be certain that once the revenue complications are solved, all these issues will vanish. As a responsible government, we would still appeal for understanding.”

Meanwhile,  the Speaker of the   State House of Assembly, Najeem Salaam has asked the leadership of the workers to suspend  the strike.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika,    Salaam acknowledged that workers and political office holders were suffering as a result of delayed salaries.

He however called for patience to enable the new government take off with a view to correcting  the anomalies.