BY RAPHAEL ONYEKACHUKWU, OWERRI –
Governor Rochas Okorocha has assured Imo workers that his administration will lift the ban on promotions immediately the on-going sanitization exercise in the system is concluded.
He said the government is already working to identify all those that would benefit from the promotion when the time comes.
Addressing workers during the May Day celebrations on Monday, at the Hero’s Square Owerri, Governor Okorocha said they should also appreciate all that the administration has done for them since 2011 when it first came on board.
According to him, Imo workers are the greatest beneficiaries of the State free education programme because there is no more pressure on them or their salaries to pay children and wards’ school fees, especially as the policy covers primary to tertiary institutions.
He also reminded the workers that his administration was the first to pay N20,000 as minimum wage against the nationally approved N18,000 minimum wage as well as also paying them wardrobe allowance, which has seen them today appearing in a special dress code.
The governor also itemized as his administration’s goodwill to the State work force the building of ICT Centres at the State Secretariat and Local Government Headquarters to empower the workers in becoming computer literate.
He said the government has concluded plans to recruit into the civil service over 3,000 fresh graduates, who are computer literate, as part of efforts to make the System vibrant, noting that about 90 per cent of the workers are not computer literate.
Okorocha pledged to constantly dialogue with the Labour leaders in the State to ensure that the harmonious relationship his government enjoys with workers endures, adding that the government remains committed to the welfare of its workers.
Speaking at the event, State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Austin Chilakpa called for 100 percent review of the existing agreement between Labour leaders and the State government over salaries’ payment
He said the Congress would maintain its agitation for a better work environment and welfare package until these are achieved in the Stat
