Uzodimma, NLC differ on payment of salaries, pension

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has said that his administration has cleared the salaries and pensions of about 43,000 civil servants and 21,000 retirees, representing 99 per cent.

Uzodimma stated this at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Omuma, Oru East Council, Imo State. He restated it at another religious event in Douglas House, Owerri, at the weekend.

Those who are yet to receive theirs have issues of bio-data, double salary or others against them in the automation process, which needed to be resolve, he said, noting that he had a covenant with God to be fair with all, including not owing any worker or retiree, before he took power.

Stressing that he would ensure payment of entitlements to all state and councils workers and retirees through out his tenure, the former senator maintained that political opponents were peddling false propaganda against him.

He said that he was having more problems from the civil service than politicians, promising that on January 2, 2021, his administration would publish the names of verified workers receiving salaries and pensions till date.

The governor accused the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) of pitching with other forces to disparage his administration, regarding the payment matters.

MEANWHILE, the state chapter of NLC, chaired by Austin Chilakpu, and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) disagreed with the governor on the claims.

In a letter for an eight-day warning strike, labour accused the governor of staggered payment, inaccurate payment, among other anti-labour.

On their part, the retirees insisted that the state owed them over N80 billion.

Speaking to newsmen last week, the Chairman, Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries in Imo, Fabian Agba, accused the governor of approving “selective payment” system of workers and retirees.