By Christopher Udom, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has surrendered to pressure from Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) who had agitated for a reverse of 20 per cent salary of workers earlier deducted in the month of June .
In a move to pacify the workers , Governor Emmanuel later appointed 155 Special Assistants
It was gathered that Governor Udom reversed deducted workers salary after a meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), averting a possible Labour crisis with the union.
The government was said to have been planning to deduct workers salary before it was actually implemented in June, despite government and NLC agreement to put the deductions on hold.
Contacted , the NLC Secretary, Mr Iboro Ebara confirmed the salary deductions but said government has agreed to refund it in July salary.
He said the appointment of new 155 Special Assistants and another 900 Personal Assistants was at the Leroy at prerogative of government, adding that they are not opposed to appointment of SAs by the Governor as this would act as palliatives to the beneficiaries.
“The government has reviewed its decision and has promised to refund whatever was deducted by July salary.
“On the appointment of SAs, I don’t think labour has ever argued with employment. We wish everyone could be employed. We don’t have any issue with people getting employed or empowered.
“I don’t think it is an employment, the government is providing palliatives probably to supporters of PDP; it is allowed. They are citizens of Akwa Ibom State and If their income improves, it is good for the economy of Akwa Ibom,” he stated.
