Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state Tuesday advised the state negotiating committee on the new National Minimum Wage to work in the overall interest of Benue people and avoid issues that will result to waging war against each other.
The governor gave the advise at the inauguration of the committee in Makurdi, Benue state capital.
Deputy Governor Benson Abounu who performed the inauguration on behalf of the governor said the committee has a serious duty in negotiating what will eventually become a salary structure for Benue civil service and its parastatals.
He noted that the committee is a think- tank and platform for analysis to be carried out and compromise reached in the interest of Benue people.
The governor further said that the job of the committee will in the long run, ensure effective and efficient civil service, promote cordial relationship between labor and government.
He said decision made by the committee will make or mar the state government in many years as far as the civil service is concerned.
“I urge you to take the assignment seriously. Be dutiful and committed. Information from the Ministry of Finance would be critical in this assignment. You should reach out beyond the state to be abreast with what obtains in other states.
“I advise you to carry the workers along. You should listen to labor side, labor should also, listen to government side. We cannot float in a vacuum but fly with the realities on ground. When you have a government that only pays salary and finds it absolutely difficult to embark on developmental projects, then the salary is meaningless”, the governor said.
Responding on the part of government, the chairman and secretary to the state government ProfessorTony Ijohor pledged that they would do their best, adding that the committee has the potential to make the administration succeed.
