Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Sir Jude Ejiogu, has called on Imo workers to be steadfast and diligent to duty as plans have been concluded to pay them salaries up to the month of June with immediate effect.

Sir Ejiogu made the call yesterday shortly after a crucial meeting with Leaders of Organised Labour at his Cabinet Office along Sam Mbakwe Road, Owerri.

The Secretary, therefore, commended the labour leaders for their understanding and compliance, assuring them of government sincerity to give Imo workers a fair treatment.

He enjoined them not to relent from teaming up with the rescue mission administration in the state in ensuring the provision of dividends of democracy to all Imolites, advising Imo workers to always remain grateful to God for having a kind of Governor like Owelle Okorocha.

According to Sir Ejiogu, the present government led by Governor Okorocha is doing everything possible to raise the standard of living of all Imolites, and applauded the state work force for keeping faith with the administration, assuring them of government’s sincerity not to disappoint them.

Speaking, Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Austin Chilakpu commended the state government for having the interest of Imo workers at heart and described Governor Rochas Okorocha as worker-friendly.

Comrade Chilakpu affirmed that the rescue mission government has done everything possible to uplift the well being of Imo workers, and assured of their commitment to continue to support the programmes and policies of the present administration.

The Labour chairman while discussing further urged civil servants to remain steadfast, noting that government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the labour unions to commence payment of salaries up to the month of June without further delay.

On the issue of ill performance of government parastatals in the state, the labour leaders frowned at the snail growth of the offices, and directed the state government to commercialize the parastatals for optimal productivity.

On hospitals, the labour unions condemned the attitude of Health Workers and the state of decay of general hospitals in the state, appealing to government to take decisive steps to correct the anomaly, while recommending severe punishment for disobedient workers to instill discipline.

The labour unions therefore advised Imo workers to shun lateness to work and as well, avoid absenteeism as part of their efforts to show support and solidarity to the present administration, and warned those affected in the habit to desist or be sanctioned.

Those in attendance include the Head of Service of the state, Mr. Calistus Ekenze, Chairmen of NULGE, TUC, JNC, NMA and JUHUSU, etc.

•Photo shows Gov. Okorocha