Governor Hope Uzodimma has called on Imo civil servants to stop blackmailing his government.

This is contained in a statement signed by the governor’s chief press secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, on Monday in Owerri.

Mr Uzodimma stated that efforts were ongoing to promote “deserving” civil servants, adding that all outstanding payments of salaries and pensions would be cleared soon.

He urged civil servants to remain committed to government service and try not to be partisan.

“All verified 43,000 workers without issues will never be owed salaries by this government because we do not regard payment of salary as achievement by any governor. The worker deserves his wage,” the governor was quoted to have said.

Speaking further, Mr Uzodimma said, “Promotion issues will be looked into as long as the workers remain committed, and we want you to desist from blackmailing government. Your happiness is my happiness. Your sadness is my sadness. Your hunger is my hunger.”

The Head of Service, Camilus Iwuagwu, thanked the governor for introducing the automated payroll system, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, free mass transit, civil servants clinic and training of workers.

Mr Iwuagwu also lauded the governor for granting the request to revisit the genuine cases of workers and pensioners whose names were omitted from the list of those to be paid salaries and pensions.

Also, Philip Nwansi, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo, commended Mr Uzodimma for being workers-friendly.

Mr Nwansi expressed confidence that all those with issues of unpaid salaries and pensions would soon have reasons to rejoice.

(NAN)