Imo Owes N13b In Gratuities, As Okorocha Signs Controversial Bill

Civil Servants Get N10,000 Wardrobe AllowanceGOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha has admitted that Imo State government owes pensioners a whopping N13b in gratuities, even as he approved payment of N10,000 as wardrobe allowance to each civil servant.The governor had directed the introduction of corporate wears for male and female civil servants without corresponding allowance.Okorocha spoke at the weekend in Owerri while interacting with civil servants on issues that agitated them.He regretted the state's huge debt, saying he would approve payment of persons owed between N300,000 and N500,000He said, 'Government has decided that out of N13b owed workers as gratuities, we want to start handling the cases of junior ones whose gratuities are about N300,000 and N500,000.'He also said government has put in place a new housing policy where each civil servant would own a house, adding that land would soon be made available to beneficiaries to commence construction within stipulated time.On promotion exercise, conducted since 2008, he said government would begin to fish out those who are due for retirement to pave way for recruitment of young graduates. He promised that government would provide necessary infrastructure and tackle unemployment.Some civil servants, who spoke, kicked against the proposal by the government to decentralise activities at the State Secretariat, located at Port Harcourt Road, Owerri. They also appealed to government to pay leave and other allowances owed them for years, and give formal employment to workers who have been casuals for many years.Not minding the controversy it has generated, Okorocha has also signed the Community Government Council (CGC) bill into law.The 26-member Imo State House of Assembly passed the bill a few weeks ago after initial opposition by civil servants posted to communities.The governor disclosed this to the Council of Traditional Rulers shortly after he performed the function at the weekend in Owerri.By provisions of the law, Okorocha said the tier government at community grassroots level has taken off effectively in the 27 local councils.
Click here to read full news..