ABIA State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Tuesday, assured that the N10.6 billion ‘Paris Clubs Inflow’ funds received by the State would be judiciously utilized.
Ikpeazu who met with the organized labour in the State over a 14-day ultimatum handed down to his administration said the new bailout would be well utilized as the first one given by the Federal government bailout fund previously.
Ikpeazu The Governor however challenged organized labour to assist the State Government in fishing out ghost workers in the civil service and to ensure that the service was returned to its glorious status.
He also commended the leadership of the organized labour for their continuous support and co-operation which he said made the State to be singled out and commended by the ICPC over the disbursement of the last bail-out funds. Ikpeazu, assured them that under his watch, the welfare of Abia State civil servants would be well-taken care of.
Meanwhile, the Government has decided to set up a small committee which labour would be represented to deliberate how the fund would be disbursed.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku who spoke to reporters after the meeting explained that the committee would within three days come up with the formula for the payment of salary arrears of the workers.
Oriaku however disclosed that in line with the Federal Government’s directives, 50 percent of the money would be used to pay salary arrears and the other 50 would be invested in projects.
The Commissioner said that priority would be given to the payment pensioners, who he described as most vulnerable set.
In his remarks the State Chairman, NLC, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe expressed joy on the outcome of the meeting, saying the organized labour was comfortable with the outcome of the meeting.
He thanked the Governor Ikpeazu for carrying the Labour along and assured that NLC in the State will continue to support him, even in fishing out ghost-workers.
Source: BNN
