In response to the ongoing discussions between the Federal Government and organized labour regarding a proposed salary hike for workers, the Abia State Government has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation.
The government has assured that they will make an official statement at the appropriate time, aligning with their financial capabilities.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia after this week’s state executive council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, confirmed this stance.
Furthermore, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the governor, Mr Chinedu Ekeke, emphasized the administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers but emphasized that they await the Federal Government’s lead on the salary increment matter.
Mr. Ekeke stated, “We are closely following the Federal Government’s wage review process and ongoing negotiations at the state executive council level. As a state government, we are hesitant to make any announcements before the Federal Government has finalized its position.”
He added, “It is important for us to assess the Federal Government’s decision and then determine our own course of action based on our financial capacity.”
Regarding the alleged harassment of Abia residents in Aba by the Police Rapid Response Team, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards any form of harassment of its citizens.