In commensuration of this year’s Workers Day celebration, some civil servants in Port Harcourt have expressed displeasure over the plight of workers across the country.
A cross section of Rivers State workers who spoke with our reporter in Port Harcourt lamented the plight of the Nigerian worker from the non implementation of minimum wage, high cost of living which does not measure up with their earnings.
Mr James Ejims who is a civil servant told our reporter that it looks as if they are working and eating peanut. He said the minimum wage did not work the way they were told, that they added anything. Some where given seven thousand, some five thousand and others two thousand. Adding that they don’t know the percentage they are using.
A Local Government worker Mrs Emilia Nwokekoro told our reporter that there is nothing like minimum wage for them. She said life is very difficult for them to manage with the current salary. She explained that school fees have been increasing, transportation have been increasing and food stuff in the market have also been increasing but salary remains the same. Adding that they are highly disappointed and there is nothing to celebrate.
Most of the civil servants also complained of the poor welfare packaged, deplorable working environment and failure of the government to promote them as at when due. They told our reporter that there have been no promotion for the past eight to twelve years. They however call on the Almighty God to touch the heart of the leaders to do the right thing.
Meanwhile, a short service was conducted for members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Ogu-Bolo local government chapter, to mark the May Day. In his speech, chairman of the Ogu- Bolo Local Government Vincent Nemieboka shared the pains of the worker. Vincent Nemieboka regretted that the rate of inflation cost of goods and services overwhelmed their take home pay. He blamed the APC led federal government for being insensitive on the part of the workers.
Chairman of Ogu Bolo Local Government Area Vincent Nemieboka also frowned at the rate of negligence to duties by some workers. He however encouraged the workers to remain committed and focus in their quest for a better civil service.
