Barring any last minute change of plans, the organized labour in Imo state will use the occasion of the May Day celebration on Monday to honour Gov Hope Uzodimma.
The 22 industrial unions that make up the Nigeria Labour Congrss ( NLC), are expected to converge on Owerri to celebrate Uzodimma for his workers” friendly policies since he assumed office 40 months ago.
Our correspondent gathered that the leadership of the NLC took the decision’ principally to appreciate him for all that he has done to put smiles on the faces of both workers and pensioners’
According a source close to the NLC, top of the list of what the governor had done is the regular payment of salaries and pensions since he assumed office.
Others, said the source, are the recent promotion of workers which had not been done in the last 10 years, payment of 13 month salary since 2021 and renovation of the 10 block state Secretariat.
It was also learnt that the workers are happy that Uzodimma restored the reporting line in the civil service,thus making it possible for people to rise to permanent secretaries without nepotism.
Again, they are said to be appreciative of the fact that permanent secretaries have been provided with official vehicles while workers have buses to take them to and from work free of charge.
Efforts to speak to the NLC chairman,Comrade Philip Nwansi were not successful,but one of the aides confirmed that the workers are planning big for the governor on may day.
Apart from the aforementioned good gestures, the aide said workers now have a health insurance scheme in addition to well equipped staff clinic.
When contacted on the issue,Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba said he was not aware of any plan by NLC since he is not a member.
Hon Emelumba however noted that he wouldn’t be surprised if” NLC honours His Excellency because he has done a lot to improve their overall welfare”.