To pay workers every 28th day of the month
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Dissatisfied with the poor sanitary condition of Abia State, the newly-inaugurated Governor Alex Otti, has declared state of emergency on waste management in the state.
He directed the Abia State Environmental Sanitation Agency, ASEPA, to immediately commence the evacuation of all refuse dumps in Aba and Umuahia.
Abia under the watch of the immediate-past administration of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, was among the filthiest states in the country.
“A healthy urban environment shall be a major priority for this government. To that effect, I am immediately declaring a state of emergency on refuse disposal and waste management in Aba and Umuahia.
“I am hereby directing the leadership of the state’s environmental management agency, ASEPA to roll out everything at its disposal and see that all refuse heaps within these two cities are promptly evacuated.
“In due course, we shall announce an enduring model to address the challenges of the environment and the future of ASEPA”, Otti declared.
The new Governor who also expressed concern over the poor welfare condition of workers in the state, declared that with effect from June, workers in the state would receive their salaries on the 28th day of every month.
He also promised to abolish “the criminal disparity” in payment of core civil servants and workers in parastatals and agencies as practiced by his predecessor, assuring that all workers will get paid at the same time.
“It gives me pleasure to announce that within the next few days, we shall commence the payment of May 2023 salaries and pensions to all civil servants and retirees in the State.
“There shall be no more distinction between the so-called “core” and “non-core” civil servants. This is a disingenuous expression that was used to hide the wicked habit of owing salaries.
“Whether you are a teacher in a primary or secondary institution owned by the State, a staff of the public health establishments, local government, or work in the judiciary, you shall, beginning from this May, earn your legitimate entitlements as and when due.
“From June 2023, all salary and pension obligations of the State would be settled by the 28th of every month. My commitment during my campaigns to pay off all outstanding salary and pension arrears remains sacrosanct.
“Within the next one week, I shall set up appropriate mechanisms to ensure that all legitimate employees and retirees are identified and paid their due entitlements.”
“My task is to dry your tears and help you to rediscover who you are and lead you back to the pathway of sustainable growth, development, and prosperity,” Otti declared.”
He appealed to Abia workers to suspend their strike and help him re-fix the state.
Otti who said he had come to dry the tears of Abians, declared that his administration would reverve the misery of Abians and set the state on the path of greatness again .
He urged Abians to join him in the efforts to rebuild the state for the good of all.
“For all citizens and residents of God’s Own State, this is a time to rebuild. We are fortunate that destiny has placed before our own generation the onerous but historic task of replacing what the flying and creeping locusts, masquerading as leaders, may have consumed these past years.”
He declared an end to godfatherism and undue influence by undemocratic forces.
“Someone should go and tell them that we have decisively broken free from our bondage. We are finally heading to our Promised Land, and we have resolved that we will no longer serve Pharaoh!”
He vowed to pursue his campaign promises without delay.
“Our social contract with the good people of Abia State, is that ours shall not be a government of excuses and finger-pointing.
Meanwhile, the immediate-past Governor of the state,Okezie Ikpeazu, was conspicuously absent at the inauguration.
Nonetheless, Abians from every nook and cranny, defied the early morning showers to catch a glimpse of the event.
Former Central Bank Governor and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi; Peter Obi’s running mate, Yousuf Datti Ahmed’s; and the former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Chubuike Amaechi, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Others were the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure; former Governor of Old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd); former Abia Governor, Theodore Orji and his wife, Odochi.
The entire capital city was literally locked down till close to evening time, leading to traffic snall.
