The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has faulted the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, over his comments that the state government was operating anti-worker policies and the proposed industrial action by the state workers.
Ajaero had, in an interview on AIT and through a letter of notice of industrial action, accused Soludo of operating anti-worker policies and allegedly inciting other state governors against the payment of the proposed N70,000 minimum wage by the NLC.
He further issued a week’s ultimatum and strike notice over the purported failure of the the state government to pay the 2019 national minimum wage of N30,000, unresolved contributory pension deductions, and the cessation of an N12,000 special palliative allowance, among others.
But reacting to the development, Soludo, through his Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, in a press statement, on Friday, faulted Ajaero’s allegations, insisting that he has improved the welfare and working conditions of workers in the state since he assumed office in March, 2022.
The statement read, “In fact, at no time did Soludo incite or influence other state governors against paying the proposed N70,000 minimum wage. Instead, he has always been sensitive to the welfare of workers. Even as the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he was quite responsive to staff wellbeing.
“Meanwhile, some of his government’s labour-friendly policies and achievements over the past two years as state governor include the increase in salaries as he was the first governor in Nigeria to approve a 10 per cent increase in workers’ salaries in December 2022.
“Payment of pensions and gratuities, under Soludo’s administration, pensioners have been receiving their dues promptly. The state government has consistently paid arrears of pensions and gratuities of workers in the civil service, including paying gradually the backlog inherited from previous administrations.
“Thousands of teachers have been hired to enhance the quality of education in Anambra State, including 5,000 teachers recruited in one fell swoop. Another batch of 3,000 teachers are currently being employed. Additionally, the governor abolished tuition fees in public schools, from primary to JSS3, ensuring that education is accessible to all children in the state, thereby relieving civil servants of parental financial burdens.
“In response to alleviating the pains of the fuel subsidy removal, the state government last year provided an additional N12,000 monthly allowance to state workers for four months, from September to December 2023. This action, which was planned to be temporary due to limited state resources, underscores the governor’s responsiveness to the immediate needs of workers.”
The statement also listed prompt salary payments, career progression in the area of training of civil servants, small business support, healthcare accessibility and infrastructural development as some of the interventions the state governor has made for workers in the state.
Soludo, however, urged the NLC and all workers in the state to recognise the substantial progress and numerous initiatives undertaken by his administration to enhance worker welfare and human capital development.
“The proposed strike is unnecessary and counterproductive at this juncture, as it might seem like the NLC leadership is being politically influenced by desperate external actors to orchestrate an artificial industrial crisis in Anambra State.
“The state government is open to meaningful dialogue and collaboration with the NLC to address any concerns amicably. We assure the NLC and all Anambra State workers that their demands and issues are being diligently addressed.
“Soludo’s administration is dedicated to fostering a productive and supportive environment for all workers in Anambra State. We call on the NLC to engage constructively with the government, allowing us to continue our shared mission of building a prosperous and inclusive state.
“In conclusion, it is important to note the government of Soludo has enjoyed a smooth and cordial relationship with the labour leaders in Anambra State, even as at the time of issuing this statement, no letter of notice of industrial action has been received by the State government. Consequently, no one can confirm where the rumour of industrial action is coming from,” the statement added.
Credit: Punch