By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Akwa Ibom State governor Pastor Umo Eno PhD has announced that the payment 13th month salary, popularly known as “ Eno-Mber” will be paid next month to bring a more joyful Yuletide to civil servants in the state.
Eno-Mber is the 13th month of the year after December according to Governor Eno’s administration calendar, hence salaries should be paid to workers.
The Governor Eno made the announcement of this gratification to civil and public servants in the employ of Akwa Ibom State government on Sunday, during a church service at the Eternity Mission International Church in Uyo.
The 13th month salary, which the Governor started paying last year, was hugely popular amongst the State’s Civil Servants and the announcement of the planned payment again this year is expected to be massively received by the workers.
The governor also announced that the payment of the N80,000 minimum wage to all public servants will commence shortly after completion of the ongoing proper verification exercise.
“ 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. 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.”
Governor Eno, also used the opportunity to discourage those who are constantly agitating for the disruption in the smooth and seamless relationship that has existed between the State Government and the Organized Labour to have a rethink.
“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 N35 billion in gratuities to retired state, local government workers and primary school teachers in the State“
During the last Public Service Week, the Governor had announced a bonus of N1.1billion naira to all public servants in the State, which was promptly paid.
Apart from prompt payment of salary, pension and gratuities as mentioned above, the Governor has also released and ensured prompt payment of Wage Award for three months to cushion the effect of high cost of living occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.
He is also committed to investing in Affordable Housing Scheme for Workers. Last September, 150 homes at the Grace Estate were given to Civil Servants from grade levels 1-8 free of charge through raffle draw
Governor Eno who bagged a PhD yesterday from the University of 29th and 30th Convocation of the University of Uyo had also given approval for the conduct of all Service Examinations in preparation for 2024 promotions as well as the release of 2023 promotion and an increase of pension to workers who retired before 2012.
Still in the spirit of gratification Governor Eno has approved the release of outstanding 7.5% contributory pension to contributors as well as the appointment of 22 new Permanent Secretaries.
