Imo Gov. Hope Uzodimma has announced plans to pay workers in the state a 13th month’s salary as an end-of-year bonus.
This is stated in a statement signed on Monday in Owerri by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku.
Uzodimma stated that efforts were being made to elevate deserving civil servants, and that all outstanding salary and pension payments would be made soon.
He urged civil servants to remain dedicated to the service of the government and avoid becoming partisan.
“All verified 43, 000 workers without issues will never be owed salaries by this government because we do not consider salary payment to be an accomplishment by any governor; the worker deserves his wage.”
“We will look into promotion issues as long as the workers remain committed, and we want you to stop blackmailing the government.”
“Your happiness is my happiness,” he said, “your sadness is my sadness, and your hunger is my hunger.”
Dr Camilus Iwuagwu, Head of Service, thanked the governor for implementing the automated payroll system, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, free mass transit, the Civil Servants Clinic, and worker training.
Iwuagwu thanked the governor for granting the request to revisit the genuine cases of workers and pensioners who had their salaries and pensions omitted due to some problems.
Rev. Philip Nwansi, state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, also praised the governor for being worker-friendly.
Nwansi expressed confidence that all individuals dealing with unpaid salaries and pensions will soon have reason to cheer.