From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
Alleged deliberate refusal by members to remit their dues to cooperative societies for the latter to discharge their financial obligations has prompted the Akwa Ibom government to step in to enforce compliance.
Henceforth, government will deduct the dues at source from loans given to the cooperators and give same to cooperative societies to enhance their operational effectiveness.
Head of Service in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Ekereobong Akpan, made the government decision known when executive members of the Joint Public Service Negotiating council (JPSNC), paid her a courtesy visit in her office.
She reiterated government’s resolve to refund in full the 7.5 per cent mandatory contributory pension scheme to all its contributors, and thanked Labour for their support and cooperation with her since her appointment, pledging to work with them for the success of the civil service and the state.
On indebtedness to the staff of Metro Hotel, Uyo, the Head of service said government had paid their outstanding financial entitlements.
Government, she added, is also committed to improving the welfare of civil servants, emphasizing the need for a synergy between Labour and government to facilitate settlement of outstanding issues as done for staff of defunct Uyo Metro Hotel.
Mrs. Akpan assured the JPSNC leaders that all the problems presented would be looked into, saying with their cooperation, support and understanding, pending issues between government and Labour would be resolved.
Chairman, JPSNC, Udeme Otong and Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akamba Awa, congratulated the Head of Service for her appointment and thanked Governor Udom Emmanuel for appointing her as the Head of Service, expressing their conviction in her ability to reposition the service.
The council members called for the complete refund of the 7.5 percent contributory pension deductions, release of outstanding promotions, payment of gratuity to retired workers, upgrading of facilities in the school of Health Technology and Nursing and deduction of cooperative societies.
They pledged their cooperation and support to enable her succeed in the service of them people and to the state.
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