By Samuelson Iwuoha
Joining the league of persons and organizations that have commended the Governor of Imo State for his decision to increase the minimum wage to N104,000 from N76,000, including the welfare of workers and the payment of backlog of gratuities to Imo pensioners, the Imo State House Of Assembly has appreciated His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Presenting the Motion entitled : MOTION TO APPRECIATE AND THANK HIS EXCELLENCY DISTINGUISHED SENATOR HOPE UZODIMMA, GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE, FOR THE MAGNANIMOUS INCREASE IN THE MINIMUM WAGE AND GENERAL WELFARE OF IMO STATE WORKERS AND PAYMENT OF BACKLOG OF GRATUITIES TO IMO STATE PENSIONERS, the Member Representing Isu State Constituency in the Imo State House Of Assembly, Hon Barrister Emeka Kingsley Ozurumba, explained that Imo workers are happy with the 3R Shared Prosperity Leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, considering all the welfare programmes they have been enjoying under his administration.
Hon Emeka Ozurumba, who is also the House Committee Chairman On Labour/Productivity, Civil Service And Pension Matters, further explained that during his Committee's interactive session with the Imo State Chapter of the Organized Labour Union, the Leadership of the Union expressed profound gratitude to Governor Uzodimma for for increasing the minimum wage of workers From N76,000 to N104,000, and for clearing the backlog of gratuities to pensioners to the tune of Sixteen Billion Naira (N16,000,000,000.00), including improving on the overall welfare of workers.
The Isu lawmaker went on to list other laudable initiatives and commendable dividends of democracy of Governor Uzodimma for and to Imo workers, which included :
1. Rehabilitation of the State Secretariat.
2. Health Insurance for Imo workers.
3. Provision of Shuttle Buses, to and from work.
4. Promotion of workers.
5. Conducive Atmosphere and Environment.
The vibrant lawmaker concluded that with the above listed initiatives of Governor Uzodimma, there is now increased productivity in the Imo State Civil Service, which ultimately has made the Leadership of Imo State Labour Union to declare that they are happy with the present Imo State Government led by the fatherly Governor Of the State, Hope Uzodimma, which in reciprocity, they no longer carry placards to embarrass government, as was the case with past administrations.
Beaming with smiles of confidence, Hon Barrister Emeka Ozurumba beckoned on his Honourable Colleagues to lend their voices in support of the Motion.
The Motion which was seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip and Member Representing Owerri-North State Constituency, Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, was cosponsored by the following lawmakers :
1. Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu.
2. Hon Kanayo Onyemaechi.
3. Hon Chigozie Nwaneri.
4. Hon Princewill Ugochukwu Amuchie.
5. Hon Clinton Amadi.
6. Hon Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie.
7. Hon Johnleoba Iheoha.
8. Hon Ikenna Martin Ihezuo.
The following lawmakers supported the Motion with commendable inputs :
1. Hon Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, Majority Leader (Owerr-West).
2. Hon Barrister Chisom Ojukwu (Nkwerre).
3. Hon Engr Innocent Ikechukwu Ikpamezie (Mbaitoli).
4. Hon Kelechi Onumajuru Ofurum, Deputy Chief Whip (Owerri-North).
5. Hon Okey Ernest Udeze (Ideato-North).
6. Hon Barrister Ikenna Martin Ihezuo (Orlu).
7. Hon Chief Johnleoba Iheoha (Ikeduru).
8. Hon Chief Ozioma Worship Benneth Ebonine (Njaba).
9. Hon Chief Dr James Uba Esile (Onuimo).
10. Hon Chief Sir Clinton Amadi, Deputy Minority Leader (Owerri Municipal).
11. Hon Engr Gilbert Chiedozie Nwosu (Oguta).
Following their extensive debate, in support of the Motion, which the Honourable Members agreed that the Governor has done well in enhancing Imo workers welfare through many government initiatives, the elated Speaker, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided, put it to vote and it was unanimously adopted. Thereafter, he Ruled as follows ;
Be It Resolved By This Honourable House To Thank And Appreciate The Governor Of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, For His Magnanimous Increase Of Minimum Wage Of Imo Workers, From N76,000 To N104,000, And The Payment Of Backlog Of Gratuities To Imo State Pensioners.
The Clerk was directed to communicate the Resolution of the House to His Excellency the Governor.