May Day: I’ll review taxes, school fees to pay workers says Umahi

The Governor of Ebonyi state, Engr David Umahi, Wednesday said the state would review taxes, school fees in order to pay the new minimum wage.

Umahi who said his government was committed in paying the new salary as approved by the National Assembly and endorsed by the presidency disclosed this at Pa Ngele Oruta township stadium during the celebration of 2019 workers day.

The Governor however promised to set up a committee to look into implementation of the new salaries and promotion of civil servants even as he plans to send the outcome to the state House of Assembly.

He warned that his second tenure would not accommodate lazy worker but encouraged them to be on their toes.

He said: “our next four years will be to work, anybody who is willing to work will work anybody who is not willing to work will cry. We will reposition the civil service by fire by force.

“There is no going back on the new minimum wage but let me disappoint labour leaders, Ayuba and Chukwuma. I will not be the first to pay; I will not be the last to pay. But to pay, we will definitely pay.

“We are going to set up a joint negotiation committee. So, I want the leadership of NLC, TUC to send their representatives so that we can set a joint negotiation committee.

“When we have agreed, this will go to the state House of Assembly for approval. If you look at what the National Assembly did, they appropriated N160bn for payment of minimum wage. So, there must be appropriation by the House of Assembly, it is not to do a new law but to say this is an increment in salary payment.

“There is no way we will only pay salaries, we pay salaries and develop Ebonyi state and secure lives and properties of Ebonyi people, we pay salaries and provide healthcare of Ebonyi people.” He said.

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