The Governor of Anambra State Professor Chukwuma Soludo suspended the contributory pension scheme in the state as he engaged in talks with leaders of the state Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), on Wednesday.
The Governor’s meeting with leadership of the labour union in the state was held at the Executive Chambers, Government House, Awka.This is coming on the heels of the raging agitations and sundry issues by the labour union.
During the meeting, Governor Soludo paid rapt attention to the grievances of the union.
Speaking through the State Chairman of the Union, Comrade Humphrey Emeka Nwafor, the leaders expressed appreciation for Governor Soludo’s willingness to engage with them and pledged to continue working with the state government to enact changes that would benefit the state workforce.
Suspension of scheme
Commenting on the contributory pension scheme, Comrade Nwafor said that the Governor has announced the suspension of the scheme and set up a committee to look into the issues, investigate why money was deducted and report back to him within eight weeks.
He explained that government set up a committee to look into the minimum wage and wage award issue in the state and submit their report within three months, with a view to see how the governor can increase the pay, expressing optimism that the governor will make pronouncement afterwards.
He noted that issues such as Ndị Olu Microfinance bank is already being worked on, that the report from the government committee will be submitted on 31st May, and revealed that the set up of the membership of the civil service commission and local government service commissions will be announced soon by Governor.
Peaceful meeting
Addressing the press jointly shortly after the meeting, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu and the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe described the meeting as peaceful, as all the issues brought up by the union were resolved.
According to them, the Committee which will be chaired by the SSG will be straightened up with the view of working out a salary structure, going forward, for Anambra state.
Lateefah Ibrahim
