Subsidy: Akwa Ibom governor orders payment of gratuities, leave grants

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno has ordered the immediate payment of gratuities and leave grants for workers in the state as palliatives to cushion the effects of the removal of fuel subsidy.

Spokesperson to the governor, Ekerete Udoh, also said that Eno has actually approved the payment of N1billion as gratuities to primary school teachers in the state.

Udoh while speaking to newsmen in his office on Tuesday further confirmed that the Akwa Ibom governor has also given his approval for the immediate release of N800 million as leave grants for local government (LG) workers.

He said that Eno did not stop there as the governor ordered the immediate release of N600 million part payment as gratuities for the Akwa Ibom state civil servants.

Udoh disclosed that governor Eno also approved the payment of leave grants for civil servants to be staggered beginning this month.

Eno also approved the payment of imprest for two months back-to-back for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Akwa Ibom 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 spokesperson 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.”

Udoh while addressing journalists 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.