Udom Emmanuel assures his government will pay min wage of N30,000

Nigeria's renowned politician Udom Emmanuel promised that the state government would pay N30,000 minimum wage when approved by the Federal Government. Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State Council has thrown it weight behind the re-election of Governor Udom Emmanuel saying that the Council is impressed with his scorecard in the first tenure.

The state Chairman of the Congress, Comrade Etim Ukpong made the position of the workers' union known during a consultation visit by the state Governor Udom Emmanuel at the Workers Solidarity Centre, Atan Offot, Uyo. He spoke of Governor Emmanuel's lofty programmes, stressing that he has succeeded in making the state a destination of choice given his development strides and assured him of the workers support to his second term bid.

Similarly, the Chairman Trade Union Congress, Comrade Akamba Awa commended the Governor's friendly disposition to the workers, stating that the Christmas bonus paid to the workers had boosted the workers' welfare and expressed optimism that the state administration would implement the new minimum wage in the interest of the workforce.

Comrade Awa saluted the Governor's humane disposition having given other political parties opportunity to carry out their electioneering campaigns and assured him of victory in the forthcoming general elections. Comrade Bassey Essien of the United Labour Congress, on his part, spoke of Governor Emmanuel's peaceful disposition, saying that his tenure has witnessed relative peace which has enabled Industrialisation and other development projects of the State administration to thrive.

He said that Governor Emmanuel deserves a second tenure to enable him to concretize on his development strides and, on behalf of the workers, wished the Governor a smooth ride to the Hilltop Mansion for the second term. Overwhelmed by the endorsement, Governor Emmanuel said that his commitment to providing quality leadership in the state is sacrosanct and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the Union for the industrial harmony witnessed in the state.

Mr Emmanuel assured of his administration's preparedness to the implementation of the new minimum wage saying that the state is awaiting the Federal government approval. "Minimum wage has never been an issue. It's just that it has to be under legislation and when something is under the legislation it is not only for the state but the country. So we are waiting for the direction of the country and once they give us the direction we will know what to do," Udom Emmanuel opined.