The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has announced plans to pay 13th month salary as end of year bonus to workers.
Governor Uzodimma said that efforts were ongoing to elevate deserving civil servants and all outstanding payment of salaries and pensions would soon be cleared.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Mr Oguwike Nwachuku, on Monday in Owerri, the State capital.
The Governor urged Civil servants to remain committed to the service of government and try not to be partisan.
He said; ”All verified 43,000 workers without issues will never be owed salaries by this government because we do not regard payment of salary as achievement by any Governor, the worker deserves his wage.
”Promotion issues will be looked into as long as the workers remain committed and we want you to desist from blackmailing government.
“Your happiness is my happiness, your sadness is my sadness, your hunger is my hunger.”
The Head of Service, Dr Camilus Iwuagwu, thanked the Governor for introducing the automated payroll system, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, provision of free mass transit, Civil Servants Clinic and training of workers.
Iwuagwu commended the Governor for granting the request to revisit the genuine cases of workers and pensioners who, as a result of some problems were omitted from salaries and pensions.
The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Rev. Philip Nwansi also commended the Governor for being workers- friendly.
Nwansi expressed confidence that all those with issues of unpaid salaries and pensions would soon have reasons to rejoice.
VON