Agreement with labour: We’re all winners –Okorocha

From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has described the agreement signed with organised labour as no victor no vanquished, adding that government and labour are winners.

Okorocha, who stated this when he was formally presented with a copy of the  agreement at the Government House in Owerri on Wednesday night by the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba and the chairman of the Joint Committee, Ikenna Emeh, said it was  victory for all.

He reiterated that no personal benefit would accrue to him or members of his family from the suspension of workers of 19 parastatals but that it was done to save the state.

“My action, suspending the workers of the parastatals and health outfits was of no personal benefits to me or my family, but to save the soul of the state and guarantee the future of Imo children yet unborn.  

Adding, “I share in the sentiment of the workers of doing the old things, the old way without any positive result.  And, if the state must be secured for the future generation, then, sacrifice is inevitable. 

“For those wondering who has lost or won in the conflict, there is no winner.  There is no loser.  We are all winners in the struggle.”

Okorocha reassured the National President of NLC that no worker in the state will be punished for participating in the protest, stressing  that the agreement reached between the government and labour will bring the truth to the fore on the actual monthly allocation from the Federation Account.                                                  

Earlier, Wabba expressed labour’s appreciation for the constitution of the Joint Committee and the agreement reached and assured that labour in the state will continue to work together with the government to improve on the lives of Imo people.

Similarly, he thanked the security agencies for ensuring that there was no breakdown of law and order and that hoodlums did not take advantage of the situation to cause havoc. 

“The workers will continue to give their best in the service of the nation.”

Part of the agreement was that, “government will retain and run all its affairs with not more than 30 per cent of the verified revenue for the month, while the committee will apply the balance of 70 per cent in the settlement of salaries of public servants and pensioners.  The agreement is with effect from January 2016.”

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