Hardship: A’Ibom Gov  Directs Payment of Gratuities, Leave Grants

Okon Bassey in Uyo

In other to cushion the harsh effects of the removal of fuel subsidy on workers in Akwa Ibom State, the state Governor, Umo Eno, has ordered the immediate payment of N1billion for gratuities of primary school teachers in the state.

He has also approved for the immediate release N800 million leave grants for local government workers and 600 million part payment of gratuities for state civil servants.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ekerete Udoh, disclosed this while briefing journalists in his office yesterday, stressing that Governor Eno further  approved the payment of leave grants for civil  servants to be staggered beginning from this month, Imprest for two months back- to-back for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the government.

To stimulate the economy of the state, and put more money in the hands of the people, the governor also mobilised all contractors in the state to return to their various projects sites.

The CPS said: “Governor Eno is a deeply compassionate leader, and has decided to intervene with these approvals to cushion the effects of the fuel hike.

“He is determined to introduce more palliatives and is expected to inaugurate a Palliatives Committee in the state with the responsibility of managing the expected palliatives from both the federal and the state governments.”

On the mobilisation of the contractors back to site, he said the governor is committed to his campaign promises that he will complete projects inherited from his predecessor in office.