The Governor of Anambra State Prof Chukwuma Soludo has directed civil servants in Anambra State to get back to work from Monday to Friday to cushion the negative economic effects of its employee’s man hour loss.
This directive was contained in the governor’s remarks to addresses delivered by the NLC and TUC leaders during the annual May Day celebration on Monday. According to the statement, the governor frowned at estimated 70-80% compliance to duty while collecting 100% of their salary every single month.
Surprised at the large turnout of workers at this year’s May Day rally which fell on a Monday, the Governor said it appears Monday sit-at-home has become an excuse for workers to avoid work.
The Governor stated this while responding to the speeches made by the Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor and the Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chris Ogbonna at the 2023 Workers’ Day event held at Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.
Though Governor Soludo acknowledged the importance of the formal sector which NLC and TUC represent, he noted that they constitute a small part of the entire workforce in Anambra State.
The informal sector where different categories of self-employed Ndi Anambra belong are of course more in number.
That notwithstanding, Prof Soludo stressed that in spite of the dwindled revenue, the pensions and gratuities from 2018 which he inherited are presently being paid while those that retired within the life of his administration have been paid their gratuities and pensions. The Governor disclosed that, subsequently, workers’ pension deductions will be managed by a professional firm so that, on retirement, the retirees will not have to wait for government to collect their pensions.
He reminded the workers that when some states could not pay salaries his government in addition to prompt payment of their monthly salaries went a step further to increase their salaries by 10 percent.
The Governor assured the workers that those who deserve to be promoted will get their promotions.
He further stressed the need for the workforce to be continually trained and retrained to be in tune with contemporary practices. He informed them that 10,000 people are being trained on different digital skills.
This way, Mr. Governor is surefooted in leading the workers to a peaceful, pleasurable and prosperous Anambra State.