Okorocha suspends Imo AG over delayed payment of workers’ salaries

For allegedly disobeying his order to effect payment of workers’ two months salaries on time, Governor Rochas Okorocha, yesterday ordered the immediate suspension of the Accountant General (AG), Mrs. Stella Udogu.

The governor also ordered the arrest of the branch managers of Eco and Access banks, where the funds were lodged. Okorocha gave the order at the Heroes Square, Owerri, during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).

The governor immediately directed the Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Chief Mark Uchendu, to appoint the most senior officer in the office of the AG in acting capacity.

Okorocha had on receipt of the N12.5 billion second tranche of the Paris Club Loan Refund accrued to the state, ordered on October 27, payment of both October and November salaries of workers. He also said N5b would be set aside for payment of pensions to the retirees.

He told the workers that their welfare remained paramount to him, directing that N10, 000 interest would be paid to each worker since the directive was given, adding that their December salaries will be paid on December 3.

The NULGE officials gave Okorocha Most Distinguished and Outstanding Developer of Imo State award.Speaking, Vice-President of NULGE, Southeast, Comrade Patrick Igwe, said the council workers were lucky to have had the gestures from the governor.