Imo government assures of minimum wage payment, Okorocha cautions against creating tension, endorses new monarchs

The Imo State Government has restated its commitment to implement the new N30, 000 minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government. Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mark Uchendu, stated this during the inauguration of the Committee on Implementation of National Minimum Wage in Owerri.

Uchendu said as part of its terms of reference, the committee would determine the new Civil Servant Salary Scale and work out modalities for immediate implementation of the new pay in the state. He said: We have just inaugurated a committee that will work out modalities for the implementation of the new minimum wage. Responding, Chairman of the Committee and Commissioner for Labour, Empowerment and Poverty Alleviation, Blessing Nwaemerenini, assured that the committee would live up to its expectations in the overall interest of Imo workers.

Some members of the 10-man committee are, Austin Chilakpo, state Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nkim Tangban, Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ken Iwuanyanwu, Anyanwu A. E and Chris Arungwa, among others. Besides, Governor Rochas Okorocha has advised the oppositions against creating unnecessary tension in the state, saying every well meaning Imo indigene should be concerned about how to move the state forward at this point.

He gave the advice while addressing members of the 52-man Joint Transition Committee, comprising his appointees and those of the Governor-elect, Emeka Ihedioha, who paid him courtesy visit at Government House, Owerri yesterday. Meanwhile, Okorocha also approved the recognition of a former Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, Sir Ejesi Obi, as traditional ruler of Emekuku, Autonomous Community, in Owerri North Local Government Area.

He also recognised 25 others monarchs of their various autonomous communities in the state by replacing monarchs who had died.

A statement issued yesterday by Uchendu, disclosed that the newly approved traditional rulers are, Jude Ukanyirioha (Ekereocha, Ihitteuboma); Ali Nnamdi Desmond (Obinoha, Mbaitoli); Emmanuel Ekwunno (Umuezeala, Ogwara, Ehime Mbano); Oliver Ochonma (Ehugwu, Okabia, Orsu); Mike Okere (Avu, Owerri West); Peter C. Opara (Umunumo, Ehime Mbano); Arinze Akamigbo (Amafor, Nnempi, Oru West); Dominic Chukwudi Nnadi (Umuaro 11, Isiala Mbano); Nwokorogu Emeka Rex (Amuro, Okigwe) and Ezennanya Michael (Eziachi, Orlu).

Also approved are, Wilfred Mbagwo (Agboeke, Ihitteuboma); Julius E. Opara (Lagwa, Aboh Mbaise); Adindu Ben Iheanyichukwu (Itu, Ezinihitte); Uchegbulam Aloysius (Aniche, Obowo); Anozie Augustine Agbaramgbu (Isi Mgbidi, Oru West); Mgbanulu Kelvin Chukwuemeka (Ezimgbidi, Oru West); Victor O. Amadi (Okirikanweke, Ahiazu Mbaise) and Festus Madueke (Obimgbidi, Oru West), among others.