By Bassey Nkponam
UYO
The Akwa Ibom government has declared the first and last Fridays of the month as work free and farm days in the State.
The State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, announced this, Wednesday, at the 2024 International Workers Day celebration, which took place at the Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo, with the theme, “People First”, explaining that this was to enable workers to effectively engage in farming activities.
Enosaid for a more sustainable solution to the current economic situation in the country and State, it was imperative for all to go back to the farm, hinting that the exercise will be monitored to ensure everyone goes to the farm.
He assured that his administration will continue to cater for the welfare of workers in the State.
Eno made known that N16.1 billion has so far been released for the payment of arrears of gratuity and also ordered immediate release of N2 billion to further defray the backlog of gratuity to retired workers in the State, bringing the total amount paid so far, by his administration to N18.1 billion.
He said government will continue to monitor and audit the payment to ensure that the payment gets to the right people, urging people to keep him abreast with information when things are not going in the right direction.
“Today, I believe we have fulfilled some of those promises. As of today, we’ve disbursed over N16.1 billion gratuities to our workers. Today, I am approving another two billion Naira for payment of gratuities across board for the month of April. We will continue to monitor this payment, we will continue to audit this payment, and we will continue to ensure that this payment gets to the right people. Please keep us informed when you notice that things are not going in the right direction”.
The state chief executive officer explained that government has approved and granted refund of outstanding 7.5 per cent contributory pension scheme, paid three months promotions arrears, released 2023 promotions, granted approval for the conduct of service examination, and invested in affordable housing units for workers in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
He listed other achievement of his administration as the ongoing construction of the 3rd Ring Road to link workers in Ibiono Ibom to Uyo, approval of land allocations, swearing in of permanent secretaries, proposed appointment of more permanent secretaries, on-going 13 months’ salary, as well as the approval of the recruitment of health workers in the State for the primary health centres.
On the issue of minimum wage for workers, Eno said government will wait on the federal government to provide more details, for the implementation of the new minimum wage for workers.
The governor appreciated the Organised Labour for the good working relationship, recalling that in the course of his successful campaign, he made a pledge to continue to strengthen the cords of their relationship, saying, “I make bold to say that almost one year after, I have kept our promise. We’ve even exceeded your expectations”.
He thanked the Organised Labour for their massive support during the March 18th elections, which led to his emergence as elected governor of the State.
The governor assured that government will continuously do its best to ensure that workers’ welfare receives priority attention.
He presented two brand new vehicles to the chairmen of the Nigeria labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The state chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Sunny James, appreciated Governor Eno for fulfilling his campaign promises to Akwa Ibom workers, stressing that the Organised Labour is never quick at praising governors but that given the strides of Eno in less than one year in office, he deserves a louder ovation.
James specifically appreciated the governor for the prompt payment of gratuities to retirees of the State, local government and primary school teachers; approvals for the refund of 7.5 per cent contributory pension and other gestures which, he noted, were answers to prayers of Akwa Ibom workers.
The state chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Dominic Abang, appreciated the governor, specially, for always putting the people of the State first in line with the theme of the celebration.
Speaking separately in their solidarity messages, the speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong; State Chief Judge, Justice Ekaette Obot represented by Justice Aniekan Akpan; Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien; Commissioner for Labour and Manpower Planning, Aniefiok Nkom, and the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, congratulated the workers on their successful 2024 Workers Day celebration, describing workers as pillars of social growth.
They commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of Akwa Ibom workers as well as retirees through the 13th month salary, palliatives, and regular release of funds for payment of arrears of gratuity, assuring of continued support to the governor in his efforts to do more for Akwa Ibom workers through the ARISE Agenda.
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