The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has accused Governor Alex Otti of neglecting workers despite increased revenue accruing to the state and its 17 local government areas.

Anosike, who spoke while addressing journalists in Abuja, said the state had sufficient resources to improve workers’ salaries and welfare, arguing that the major issue was how available funds were being utilised.

He said increased federal allocations following the removal of the fuel subsidy should have translated into improved working conditions and better welfare for workers in the state.

The PDP candidate also faulted the implementation of the N70,000 national minimum wage in Abia, alleging that some workers received salary increases of only N7,000 or N10,000.

He said: “Abia worker is one of the most disadvantaged workers in Nigeria as I speak to you. In fact, it is not only the Abia worker. All workers in Abia are suffering.

“The minimum wage moved from N30,000 to N70,000 as approved by the Federal Government. He agreed to pay and announced it, but what did Abia workers get? Some got only N7,000 increase. Some got N10,000.”

Anosike said he would introduce a N90,000 minimum wage if elected governor in the 2027 election, insisting that the state had enough revenue to sustain the proposed wage.

According to him, each of the 17 local government areas currently receives at least about N500 million monthly, amounting to roughly N6 billion annually per council.

He estimated that the local councils could collectively receive more than N100 billion annually, adding that they had received over N300 billion in three years, while the Abia State Government received more than N600 billion within the same period.

“That is about N900 billion. So, when I say the state has got over N1 trillion coming into it, I mean it,” he said.

Anosike said improved wages should be accompanied by health insurance and housing support to reduce the financial pressure on workers and their families.

“I said I will start with a N90,000 minimum wage. Not only that, there will be health insurance for them,” he said.
“Because if you pay N90,000 and you do not create subsidies in some sectors and areas for the workers, it will still be a problem. The cost of medical services is very high.”

He promised to provide housing support for workers, saying their welfare should be treated as a comprehensive package covering salaries, healthcare, housing and education for their children.

On the reported dismissal of about 15,000 workers under the present administration, Anosike pledged to constitute an independent committee to review the circumstances surrounding each case if elected.

He said the committee would determine when the workers were dismissed, their circumstances at the time and whether they remained eligible for active service.

Anosike, however, acknowledged that some affected workers could have attained the statutory retirement age of 60 or completed 35 years of service by the time a new administration assumes office.

He said such workers would not necessarily be reinstated but could be considered for salary arrears for the period they had been out of work.

“If somebody is now 60 years of age, we can no longer bring that person back into active service. But the provision for the salary arrears for the four years will be made,” he said.

The PDP candidate promised not to sack public servants for political reasons, arguing that government employment should be separated from partisan politics.

“You cannot downsize and sack all the people employed by your predecessor simply because they were employed by your predecessor. That is political witch-hunting,” he said.

Anosike said his administration would prioritise continuity, fairness and professionalism in the public service if elected.