The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has said that the present administration is looking into the issue of increase in the minimum wage as approved by the Federal government following the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy. He therefore charged the leadership of the Nigerian Civil Service Union to lecture and instill the virtue of being proactive in service delivery in the State’s work force. Emetu who gave the charge when members of the Nigerian Civil Service Union paid him a courtesy visit at Govt House, Umuahia noted that, as an organized body geared towards ensuring that the affairs of civil servants is taken care of, however urged the leadership to always speak truth to power by discussing with Govt in areas they are not doing well for redress.
The Deputy Governor reassured them that the welfare of Civil Servants are one that the Dr Alex Otti’s led administration hold in high esteem, hence their resolve to ensure the payment of salaries on or before the 28th of every month as well as revisit the issues of unpaid salaries it inherited from past administrations as part of the rebuilding plan of the State. He acknowledged that the prices of goods and services have risen astronomically with no attendant increase in salaries and assured that the present administration is doing a lot to offset all the liabilities inherited. Emetu appreciated their warm sentiments and support towards the present administration and solicits their prayers for good health and wisdom to enable them implement policies and programs that will affect the lives of Civil Servants and Abians positively.
In his speech earlier, the State Chairman of Nigerian Civil Service Union, Comrade Boniface Oleka who stated that the the Nigerian Civil Service is consistent in the realization of worker’s welfare and enthronement if quality service delivery among workers, commended the Dr Alex Otti’s led administration for the good work they have been doing in the State. Comrade Oleka used the forum to appeal to Govt to extend to Abia workers the increase in the minimum wage as approved by the Federal Govt to cushion the effect of hardships occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy as well as assist them procure a bus to ease their movements.
