International Workers’ Day: Abia Governor-elect, Otti Thrills State Workers

On the commemoration of International Labour Day, the Abia State Governor-elect, Dr Alex Otti has felicitated with members of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Otti, in a statement he signed, assured the workers that their sad experience of being owed salary arrears will be a thing of the past under his watch as governor come May 29, 2023.

He commended the workers in the State and Local Government civil services, for ensuring that the wheels of the public service continued to spin despite being owed many months of salary arrears.

The Governor-elect, who addressed the civil and public servants in the state as “Fellow Abia workers”, pointed out that he did so because Abia electorates had hired him to be part of her workers through their votes on March 18, 2023.

The statement read, “I bring you special greetings on this auspicious occasion of the 2023 Workers’ Day Celebration, otherwise known as May Day, with the theme: ‘Workers’ Right and Socio-Economic Justice’.

“I consciously chose to address you as ‘fellow workers’ because, on Saturday, March 18, 2023, you joined thousands of passionate, enthusiastic and patriotic Abia voters to hire me as your employee. That noble and humbling decision has placed an additional burden of service on my shoulders.

“On behalf of the good people of Abia state, I wish to sincerely congratulate the organized Labour led by the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and other such bodies on this year’s celebration.

“I particularly salute our workers in the state and local government civil services, who, despite being owed many months of salary arrears, have ensured that the wheels of public service continue to spin.

“I’m aware as usual, that most of you will be celebrating this year’s May Day on empty stomachs as a result of non-payment of salaries. Be assured that such a sad experience will become a thing of the past going forward. I commend your resilience, long-suffering and uncommon dedication to duty in the service of our dear State.

“A year ago, I did the usual ritual of felicitation to you all, and I did reassure you that sooner than later, the ruinous era of gloom and sobriety would give way for a new dawn of blessings and abundance. Today, by the mercy of the Almighty God, our prayer, battle cry and admonition, ‘Weep No More, Help is on the Way’, has been answered and we can assuredly declare, help is here!

He added that his administration will move speedily, vigorously and decisively in the task of rebuilding the state at all levels.