Imo signs pact with NLC, recalls suspended workers

IMO State Government and organised labour have signed an agreement on how to recall the workers suspended in the 19 parastatals, agencies and departments.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Ayuba Wabba, signed on behalf of Labour, while Governor Rochas Okorocha signed for the state government. Chairman of the committee on the mediation, Ikenna Eme, was present at the event with commissioners and other government appointees.

At the ceremony held at the Sam Mbakwe Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Owerri, on Wednesday, Okorocha said the crisis ended amicably with the parties agreeing to a sharing ration of government receiving 30 per cent and workers having 70 per cent of any allocation/revenue that comes in the state’s coffers.

“There is no winner, no loser in this battle,” he said.

Okorocha, however said he would concession some health institutions.

He stated that Imo with 30,000 workers has a wage bill of about N4.2 billion monthly, while federal allocation to the state is about N1.9 billion, and revenue profile of between N350 million and N400 million.

The governor commended the state Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, the Brigade Commander of 34 Field Artillery Brigade, and the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), for ensuring that there was no casualty during the protest, pledging not to victimise any worker because of the protest, but urged them to work according to the rules of engagement (civil service rules).