If you are a government worker in Akwa Ibom State, then we do not have any other thing to say than “Congratulations”.
What are we congratulating you for?
Oh you’ve not heard?
This December, T-pain has nothing on you.
While workers in other states may find it difficult to enjoy this Christmas, workers in Akwa Ibom have already been promised something huge by their Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.
As we speak, the governor has confirmed that state employees will receive double salary payments in December.
According to Eno, the introduction of the 13th month salary, referred to as ‘Eno-Mber,’ is intended to enhance the festive season for civil servants, particularly in light of the delays surrounding the implementation of the new 80,000 Naira minimum wage.
The Deadline
Indeed, the harmonization committee, led by the Head of the Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, may not meet the one-month deadline set by the State government for the submission of its report.
Now, the completion of that task has been projected for the first quarter of 2025.
In an effort to allay the concerns of the workforce, the Governor announced the double salary payment during a church service at the Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo on Sunday.
To him, this will serve as a temporary relief prior to the rollout of the new minimum wage.
His words: “I am aware that quite a number of our civil servants have relocated within Nigeria while others have gone abroad.
We have to be sure that those receiving payments are real civil servants.
Transparency And Honesty
“My watchword since assuming office has been transparency and honesty in service deliverables and we have to ensure that we carry this through this verification exercise, which would soon be completed,” he noted.
The Akwa Ibom governor also warned those constantly working to disrupt the smooth relationship between the state government and the organized labour to have a rethink.
He said: “Since we came in, we have paid critical attention to the needs and the welfare of civil servants in this state.
To date, we have paid 35 billion Naira in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the state,” he recalled.
Also Read: See Burial Arrangements For Late Akwa Ibom First Lady, Patience Eno
Other interventions which the Governor said should encourage the workers to imbibe good work ethics included the institution and payment of a bonus regime of 1.1billion naira to all public servants, prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuities.
The governor had also released funds, and ensured prompt payment of wage award to the State workers for three months.
This aims to cushion the effect of high cost of living occasioned by the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal.
The government also offered free 150 homes at the Grace Estate for civil servants of grade levels one to eight.
