TheCable

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, has apologised to workers and retirees in the state over unpaid salaries, pensions and gratuities.

Addressing Imo workers at Real Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square on Monday, Uzodinma apologised for the delay in payment and promised to clear off the backlog of pensions and gratuities since 2007.

The governor said the delay was a result of the automation and bio-data capturing of pensioners, started by his government.

He assured that his administration would continue to do the right things to make the workers happy.

“Payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities were delayed. This is due to the bio-data capturing automation, which has to be done if the state must grow. For the inconvenience, I apologize to Imo workers,” he said.

“It might amaze you to know that we have a debt portfolio of over N169 billion unpaid gratuities and pensions in Imo state way back from 2007.

“Some of these pensioners have died. Now that the payments have started. Those that have died, we would pay their next of kin.

“I am proud to tell you that Imo state government is enjoying industrial harmony with the workers of Imo state. This is because we have their welfare and happiness as our top priority. We shall continue to do the right thing to make Imo workers happy.

“We have commenced the payment of over N169bn to Imo retirees whose pensions and gratuities have been delayed since 2007. We shall not abandon the senior citizens who served the state meritoriously just like the past governments.

“We are sensitive to the plight of the people and we are doing the right thing to better their lots.”

On health program for workers, the governor said his administration has mapped out over N80m for free medicals and free transportation schemes.