Otti’s 13th Month Payment Promise: A Boost to Abia Workers’ Morale
Ebere Uzoukwa, Ph.D
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has made a significant promise to the state’s workers, pledging to pay both the December salary and 13th month salary before December 20, 2024. This announcement has undoubtedly boosted the morale of Abia workers, who faced several challenges in the past.
The governor’s commitment to the welfare of Abia workers is evident in his administration’s efforts to correct errors observed in the payment of the minimum wage. He instructed a rework on the salary structure to address the consequential adjustments, demonstrating his dedication to ensuring that workers receive their rightful payments.
Governor Otti’s promise to pay the 13th month salary is another testament to his administration’s focus on improving the living conditions of workers. This payment will not only boost the morale of Abia workers but also provide them with the financial resources needed to celebrate the festive season with their loved ones.
The governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare is not limited to salary payments. His administration has initiated critical reforms aimed at sanitizing and repositioning the Abia State Civil Service. These reforms include the return of competence and seniority in the civil service, as well as the verification exercise aimed at weeding off ghost workers and ending corruption and leakage of funds in the pay-roll system.
Furthermore, Governor Otti’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to providing a conducive working environment for Abia workers. The renovation, retrofitting, modernization, and equipping of the abandoned Nnamdi Azikiwe Secretariat, which now accommodates four ministries and over 1000 workers, is a proof of this commitment.
The recent appointment of a Commissioner for Labour is also a significant development, underscoring the governor’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of workers. The Commissioner for Labour is playing a crucial role in addressing the concerns of workers, resolving labour disputes, and promoting a harmonious relationship between workers and the government.
The payment of the backlog of pensions owed by past administrations, which cost the state a whopping sum of N10 billion naira, is another example of Governor Otti’s dedication to improving the lives of Abia workers.
In addition to these initiatives, Governor Otti’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to regular payment of salaries and pensions. It is on record that Governor Otti has never owed workers since he assumed power as the Governor of Abia State.
The impact of Governor Otti’s policies on the welfare of Abia workers cannot be overstated. His administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of workers, providing a conducive working environment, and prioritizing the payment of salaries and pensions has helped to boost the morale of workers and improve their standard of living.
In conclusion, Governor Otti’s promise to pay the 13th month salary to Abia workers is a significant development that has boosted the morale of workers in the state. His administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers, providing a conducive working environment, and prioritizing the payment of salaries and pensions is also a testament to his dedication to the well-being of Abia workers. With Governor Otti at the helm, the state is experiencing a new era of transformation, and workers are at the forefront of this transformation. The future of Abia State looks bright, and Governor Otti’s commitment to workers’ welfare is a key driver of this brightness.
Dr. Ebere Uzoukwa is the SSA on Public Affairs to the Governor of Abia State.