Chief Muyiwa Olumilua, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Values Orientation, disclosed in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday that Gov. Fayemi gave the salary cut directive.

He said the development was due to the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 scourge.

“The global economy has been severely affected and it has affected Nigeria’s economy as a nation and expectedly, Ekiti.

”As a responsive and responsible government, we have taken stock of our financial situation,” he said.

According to him, the pay cut will affect the governor, his deputy, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi and all political appointees down the line.

He however said that salaries of civil servants would not be affected in any way by the directive.

He said savings from the pay cut would be channelled into the execution and completion of developmental projects in the State, as hitherto planned.

”This sacrifice is for the welfare of Ekiti people above all other considerations.

“This is vis-a-vis the constantly decreasing receipts from the federation account, as well as the state’s dwindling internally generated revenue (IGR), and has therefore, been forced to wake up to the current realities of the state’s fiscal position.

”Your patriotism, patience, and co-operation, is highly appreciated at all times,” he said.