As members of the different labour groups and organised civil society celebrate this year’s workers’ Day, also known as May Day, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has congratulated the Abia workers for their numerous contributions to the growth and progress of the state and the country and called on them to continue to maintain a cordial working relationship with his government.

The Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Adindu, lauded Abia workers for their commitment and steadfastness in building the state to its present status through their meaningful services and remarked that the workers have also paid their dues by making sacrifices when need be.

The Governor particularly thanked the Abia workforce for keeping faith with his new administration which is struggling against many odds to keep its covenant with the workers and the entire spectrum of the state, stressing that despite the economic situation, he remains resolute in his commitment to the welfare of workers.

He further re-emphasised his position that worker’s wages are not something that workers should be asking for, but something that must be taken for granted and assured Abia workers that he is making every concerted effort to improve on their entire working environment and conditions including their emoluments, pension and gratuities.

Governor Ikpeazu also noted that the war against ghost workers syndrome, pensions reform and the public finance restructuring exercise embarked upon by his administration since its inception is for the good of the workforce as such endemic ills prevent the authentic workers from getting what is due for them and also retard the progress of the public service.

He called on the leadership of the Labour Unions to begin to re-orientate their members on the new values and mission of his government which places emphasis on transparency, accountability and stewardship adding that the old culture of corruption and graft associated with public service are totally unacceptable in the current dispensation.

Similarly, Abia Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Okechukwu Azubuike, in a release by his Chief Press Secretary, Prince Clinton Uba, extolled Nigerian workers. He described them as the backbone of any government or nation and stressed the need for their welfare to be a first line charge as to ensure good motivation which can only lead to effective service delivery and noted that it is the only panacea that can move Nigerian economy, which is piloted by workers forward.

Rt. Hon Azubuike admonished workers to use the opportunity of this celebration to appraise themselves and imbibe the spirit of dialogue rather than strike action or demonstration to drive home their demand. He urged workers in Nigeria, especially Abia and in particular the State House of Assembly workers to continue to be dedicated, committed and to have absolute faith in Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu led administration that has shown that the welfare of workers is paramount in his administration, assuring them that the present economic situation in the country will soon be a thing of the past.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu.