The Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has directed an immediate review of promotions and conversions of Abia civil servants to address the complaints arising thereto.
News About Nigeria reports that the governor disclosed this during a media parley in Umuahia.
The media parley titled “The Governor Speaks” is a monthly programme of the Governor.
He assured that workers due for promotion would be promoted and leave allowances addressed.
Governor Otti acknowledged the challenges facing the state, including the last promotions conducted in 2021, but restated his commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare.
He solicited patience from workers, citing the precarious situation of the state when he took over power.
The governor also addressed the issue of the minimum wage, awaiting the outcome of tripartite committee negotiations, and announced plans to digitalize the state’s economy, including the introduction of broadband technology and the appointment of a Chief Information Officer.
On leave allowances, he said, “We don’t have any problem paying people who are going on leave. If there are arrears that have not been paid, we can look at them and be sure they are actually arrears.
“Again, I’m just getting to know that. So, we will take it half-line, and then I will find out from the Accountant General and the Head of Service so that it will be one of the things they will be looking at.
“We believe that a labourer is worthy of his wage, and because the government is a continuum, we inherit both assets and liabilities. If you are lucky, you have net assets, if you’re unlucky, you have net liabilities, but we will have to deal with it, so I have taken note of that,” Otti assured.
On the issue of the minimum wage, Gov. Otti said that he was awaiting the outcome of the tripartite committee and negotiations on the matter, assuring that Abia would not hesitate to comply.
“I have announced earlier that we are waiting for the negotiations that are happening at the centre so that we can do something about the minimum wage, which would affect every other wage.”
He, however, noted that the needs of nonworkers would be taken care of by the government.
Otti, who re-stated his resolve to digitalise the economy of the state, said he would soon announce a Chief Information Officer.
“As we prepare for a digital transformation spearheaded by the introduction of broadband technology, I will soon announce a Chief Information Officer.”
The move, according to him, will ensure data accessibility and availability for all citizens, regardless of location.
“We are preparing our state for the next century with broadband technology. We are already in the final stages of discussion. Wherever you are, you can have access to data.”
The governor, who said he came on board to change the old order and set a new pace for the state, solicited the support and cooperation of all residents for the success of his administration.
He promised to continue to pursue people-centric policies and programmes that would positively affect all residents.
