Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a N10,000 increase in the salary of workers in the state.
He promised that once the issue of minimum wage is resolved nationally, Ebonyi State will not be the last to pay.
The governor also ordered the immediate recruitment of 1000 teachers, even as he thanked the workers for their cooperation and assistance toward the progress of his administration and promised to make them happy.
He noted that his administration is not owing any pension and gratuity to retirees, adding that those that retired since January this year have all been paid.
“I am elated that you have shown commitment that you are part and parcel of this great state. It gives me a lot of joy and it is a challenge to me as your governor.
“All the issues raised by the NLC and TUC, sincerely what we will do is to offer another award of ten thousand naira to join the other ten thousand to be twenty thousand naira.
“As I said last year, your tremendous sacrifices and dedication to our great state summed up your numerous contributions to the growth and development of our state.
“Atimes things may seem tough owing to the economic challenges we are facing in our great country, Nigeria today. But you have always shown uncommon patriotism for the common good of our nation Nigeria.”
Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Ebonyi State, Ogugua Egwu, said the event provides the opportunity to remember fallen heroes of Labour who paid the price of death just for them to stand as workers.
He called on the governor to address the plights confronting workers of the state through the engagement of more teachers in public primary and secondary schools in the state.
Mr Egwu urged the governor to evolve an enhanced welfare packages for the workers of Ebony State with additional N20, 000 while they await the implementation of the minimum wage.
