By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State civil servants have cried out to the state Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to pay their October salaries, even if it is at the old rate.

The cry came following the non-payment of salaries on the 25thof the month and beyond. This is seen as an unprecedented occurrence since 2006.

According to a civil servant who spoke on condition of anonymity, cited that the delay may be due to the computation of the new minimum wage of N70,000 and its consequential adjustments across various cadres.

One civil servant also expressed concern, saying, “If your friend or neighbour works with the state civil service, please check on them and offer support. It’s not all well with them.”

A state ministry lady shared her personal struggle with our correspondent, explaining that her children missed their Sunday return to school after the midterm break because she her salary is yet to be paid.

In his reaction, the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chairman, Comrade Humphrey Nwosu absolved the Governor of being behind the delay in payment of October salaries

He stressed that contrary to social media allegations, that Soludo is the first governor to fully implement the minimum wage in Anambra State’s history

He further told journalists in Awka that the governor has approved measures to address the discrepancies, and workers would receive their payment alerts in the first week of November.

Nwosu also reaffirmed that the state government would pay a net salary of N70,000 to workers at Grade Level One, Step One and above, with a salary review to follow once the minimum wage issues are sorted out.