The attention of the Organised Labour in Enugu State has been drawn to the publications in Vanguard and The Nation newspapers of Saturday 23rd April, 2016 which alleged that the bailout fund amounting to the sum of Ten Billion, one hundred and seventy four million, two hundred and thirty eight thousand, six hundred and eighty one naira, forty nine kobo (N10, 174, 238, 681.49) was released to Enugu State Government.
The publication went further to state that the State Government disbursed Five billion, nine hundred and sixty seven million, two hundred and thirty eight thousand six hundred and eighty one naira nineteen kobo (N5,967,238,681.19) for settlement on domestic debts while salaries are still being owed to workers of Enugu State.
“We want to state clearly without fear or contradiction that His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi from on the set involved the Organized Labour in the management of the sum of four billion, two hundred and seven million naira (N4,207,007,000.00) being the actual bailout fund approved for the State for the settlement of the following:-
(a) Arrears of initial pensions (from 2009 to June 2015)
(b) Arrears of July 2015 Pension to State Pensions
(c) Arrears of four (4) months (Jan. To April 2015) subvention to State Government Parastatals
(d) One month arrears of salaries to non Permanent staff
A statement signed by Comrade Virginus C. Nwobodo, Chairman NLC; Comrade Igbokwe Chukuma Igbokwe, Chairman TUC/JPSNC (TUS) and Comrade Theo O. Obasiani, Secretary, JPSNC (TVS), stated that “a Committee comprising Labour and Government was set up to verify, monitor and disburse the funds to the beneficiaries.”
“As at the time referred to by the newspaper publication of (29th February 2016) over 60% of the fund has been disbursed to the beneficiaries on item a – d above, while the verification and disbursement exercise is still ongoing till 31st May, 2016 as some of the beneficiaries (Pensioners) are yet to show up for verification.”
“The Organised Labour in Enugu State is seriously embarrassed by the false, unfounded and malicious publication purported to have emanated from the office Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). The publication which is false and misleading is deliberate attempt to instigate workers and good people of Enugu State against the State Government as well as tarnish the good image of the State.”
“We urge the media to always verify and cross check their information before publication to avoid misleading the public. The Organised Labour in Enugu State is totally satisfied with the management of the (N4, 207B) bailout fund for payment of arrears of Pension and salaries and will continue to partner with the State Government for good governance and sustainable development”, the statement added.
