#Workersday: Abia Workers Commend Ikpeazu on Judicious Management of Bailout and Paris Club Funds
Posted by Factnews | 7 years ago | 2,312 times
Labour Unions in Abia State, under the umbrella of Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have commended the State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for the judicious management of CBN Bailout and Paris Club refunds. They made the commendation at the 2017 May Day celebration held at Ibeku Hugh School, Umuahia.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress Abia state chapter, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe, in his address, noted that the N14.125b bailout fund released by President Muhammadu Buhari last year through the CBN to tackle salary arrears issues across the nation was judiciously utilized and appropriated by the state government using the committee set up by the Governor, made up of government officials and labour leaders. He revealed that the first tranche of #10.6bn Paris Fund which was meant to be shared 50:50 for infrastructure and payment of salary arrears, as instructed by the federal government, was increased to 55.3% by the state government owing to the high indebtedness of workers salaries.
Obigwe called on the Governor to ensure that the second tranche of the Paris Club refund, when received, will also be appropriately utilized with emphasis on settling outstanding teachers salaries. The Union also commended the state government for the "genuine fight against ghost workers syndrome in the state" and assured the Governor that Labor would partner with his administration to get rid of the menace in the state's work force.
The union however noted that the 21 day ultimatum given to the Governor to address the issue of ghost workers holistically has elapsed but would be extended by another 14 day ultimatum to avert the looming danger inherent in punishing genuine workers alongside the ghosts. The state NLC also applauded the development strides of the state government, especially in the area of infrastructure renewal and urged the Governor to maintain the fast pace. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, in response, paid glowing tributes to Abia Workers for their great efforts, hardwork and industry which has contributed greatly to delivering dividends of democracy to the people.
The Governor who expressed dissatisfaction with the overall situation of Nigerian workers called on them to see government as partners in achieving their employment goals and objectives. He promised to re-engineer the revenue base of the state to ensure payment of salaries on 24th of every month as well as the issuance of pensioners cheque by every month end. He however noted that this can only be achieved through the collaborative efforts of civil servants in the state.
Governor Ikpeazu decried the situation where parastatals like Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Abia Line Transport Company and Abia State Polytechnic which are revenue generating units of government cannot generate enough money or manage their inflows well to pay their workers salaries. He called on government agencies to strive to generate sufficient revenue and manage it in such a way that they can pay salaries of their workers. The Governor also called on Abia workers to turn a new leaf, think deeply and be considerate in their demands and dealings because, according to him, it is no longer time for free lunch.
He however commended hardworking Abia Workers for their zeal and said his administration is prioritizing the welfare of workers, and noted that Abia would get to Cannan land as victory is assured and in sight. Earlier, the Chairman of the day, Hon. Uko Nkole, noted that workers and their unions are the bread winners of the nation. He called on workers to continue in their unparalleled cooperation and collaboration with the state government which he described as a testimony of their maturity and understanding as well as commitment of the members to the overall physical, social and economic development of the state.
Readers Comments
comment(s)
No comments yet. Be the first to post comment.
