Uzodinma Blames Record Discrepancies for Salary Delay

By Jennifer John

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has once more made it clear that workers who have been crying about not receiving salaries since the inception of his administration are those who have discrepancies and infractions in their records and not a deliberate action of the government to witch-hunt any civil servant or pensioner by nonpayment of their salaries and pensions.

Governor Uzodimma made this clarification during a meeting he had with leaders of the Organized Labour in the state at the state Government House, Owerri, yesterday.

On the request for the fulfillment of the promises he made to the union, including the donation of an official vehicle to the congress, the governor assured them that the promise will be fulfilled in no distant time, but then that all has not been well in the state, since he assumed office.

He went down memory lane to recall that his administration from inception was confronted with; global, national and local challenges and, including; Covid-19 outbreak, the EndSARS revolution, and insecurity in the state.

He appreciated leaders of the Organized Labour in the state for their genuine commitment to workers’ interests, praying that God will reward them.

The number one citizen of Imo State promised that now that government was almost through with the verification and automation of workers’ records, and with the accurate data at its disposal, it was now in a better position to employ new workers for the state civil service which it may consider soon.

Earlier in his address, the state chairman, of Nigeria Labour Congress, Rev. Nwansi, promised to always cooperate with the state government towards finding lasting solutions to the plight of Imo workers.

He appreciated the governor for always initiating interaction with labour leaders in the state, for pronouncing the release of the arrears of salaries for workers who had discrepancies and infractions in their records, for releasing the check-off dues of unions in the state, for giving approval for the payment of gratuity, among other largesse for the state workforce.

Speaking further, the state NLC chairman appreciated the governor for giving approval for the release of arrears of worker’s promotions.

He however pleaded with the governor to fulfill some of the promises he made to the body which are yet to be fulfilled.