Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State ordered the immediate payment of salaries to all workers in the state.
In a statement on Friday by State Government Secretary Chris Ezem, Mr Ikpeazu regretted that an industrial action taken by the Abia State Chapter of the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) had halted activities at several government offices in the state, including the state accountant general’s office, which is responsible for salary payment.
Newslodge reported that the NLC in the state on Tuesday resumed its previously suspended indefinite strike action in the state over unpaid wages and pensions.
The union’s leadership in the state had explained that the resumption of the strike, which it called off in March, was in response to the state government’s failure to pay workers’ wages despite having promised to do so.
Ikpeazu explains the delay
Mr. Ikpeazu, in response to the accusation of non-payment of workers’ wages, explained that the recent freezing of the state government account due to a court order affected the payment of wages.
“Despite the current challenge of the state government with its bankers, Dr. Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has directed the office of the accountant general to begin payment of salaries to ministries and parastatals effective today, Friday May 12, 2023 the statement said.
“The government hereby orders all affected staff to resume work in their offices immediately and ensure the resumption of activities in all ministries and the general accountant’s office for the implementation of this directive,” the statement added. .
Ikpeazu said the failure of workers to resume work immediately would thwart an ongoing transition process from his administration to the incoming administration of Alex Otti from the Labor Party.
The governor claimed that “no central official or ministry is owed salaries so far,” but did not provide details.
“In addition, local government staff salaries are up to date except for the inherited five months of arrears, of which three months have been paid and the remaining two months are being addressed,” he said.
He said he had also ordered local government authorities to immediately start paying the salaries of health care workers in the state’s 17 local government areas.
“It is important that all local government staff remain in their workplace, as this will ensure the completion and start-up of all ongoing projects for the benefit of our people and a smooth transition process,” said the governor.
He said he would remain committed to workers’ issues until he leaves office on May 29.