Akwa Ibom State Government may have reversed the decision to slash salaries of civil servants following threats by the Nigeria Labour Congress to embark on strike action.
The government had indicated recently that it was going to deduct workers salaries in view of the harsh economic situation compelled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, it was gathered that the government reversed the plan after a meeting with the leadership of the NLC.
Governor Udom Emmanuel last week appointed about 155 Special Assistants even as it rumoured that another 900 Personal Assistants would soon be appointed.
The new appointees were said to have started enjoying some stipends in preparation for their formal appointments while the new appointments follow a recent 20 per cent deductions of existing political appointees due to COVID-19.
The government was said to have been planning to deduct workers salary before it was actually implemented in June, despite government and NLC agreement to put the deductions on hold.
When the NLC Secretary, Mr Iboro Ebara was contacted on the issue, he confirmed the salary deductions but said the government has agreed to refund the deductions with the July salary.
He said the appointment of new 155 Special Assistants and another 900 Personal Assistants was at the prerogative of government, adding that they are not opposed to the appointment of SAs by the Governor as this would act as palliatives to the beneficiaries.
“The government has reviewed its decision and has promised to refund whatever was deducted by the July salary.
“On the appointment of SAs, I don’t think labour has ever argued with employment. We wish everyone could be employed. We don’t have any issue with people getting employed or empowered.
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“I don’t think it is an employment, the government is providing palliatives probably to supporters of PDP; it is allowed. They are citizens of Akwa Ibom State and If their income improves, it is good for the economy of Akwa Ibom,” he stated
