Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the immediate payment of outstanding two months arrears of salaries of workers in the state.
It may be recalled that the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Nweke Iheme and Emma Alozie, State Secretary had last Tuesday directed its members to proceed on an indefinite industrial action following the inability of the state government to pay its members their outstanding arrears of salaries, gratuities and pension backlogs which has led to the shutting down of government institutions in the state for over 72hrs.
However, in the statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Chris Ezem directed the Accountant General of the State to commence payment of salaries to ministries and parastatals with immediate effect.
He further directed all affected staff to resume work at their offices immediately and ensure resumption of activities in all ministries and the office of the Accountant General for implementation of this directive. Any breach of these directives will frustrate the ongoing transition process and other activities.
He also directed Local Government authorities to commence immediate payment of salaries of health workers across the 17 LGA’s, adding that it was important that all staff of the Local Government remain at their duty post as that will ensure completion and commissioning of all ongoing projects for the benefit of our people and a smooth transition process.
Gov. Victor Ikpeazu
“The attention of the government has been drawn to the ongoing strike by Nigeria Labour Congress, Abia state chapter which commenced midnight of Monday 8th May and has paralysed government activities across the ministries, parastatals, cabinet office and office of the Accountant General which is responsible for payment of salary. NextStay
“It is public knowledge the recent protracted court order freezing various government accounts which action affected payment of salaries to ministries and parastatals for the month of March and April 2023.
“Despite the current challenge of the state government with its bankers, the Governor Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has directed the office of the Accountant General to commence payment of salaries to ministries and parastatals from today Friday 12th May 2023 accordingly.
“Government hereby directs all affected staff to resume work at their offices immediately and ensure resumption of activities in all ministries and the office of the Accountant General for implementation of this directive.
“Any breach of these directives will frustrate the ongoing transition process and other activities.
“Government wishes to place on record that no core civil servant and or ministry are owed salaries before now.”
