Despite the fact that the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has acknowledged the receipt of N12.6Billion Naira windfall from Paris Club, for Imo State, the Governor still maintained that his Government will borrow to pay salaries.
In a press release signed by his Media Aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, developed from the Governor’s speech while swearing-in Eight new Commissioners, Okorocha agreed receiving N12.6B from Paris Club refund, “and explained that N5B of the money will be mapped out for the payment of pensions”.
However, the Governor, according to the release, “The Government will source for fund to add to what remains of the Paris Club Fund after removing the Pension money to make-up the N9B for payment of salaries”.
The Governor explained that the October and November salaries would be paid at the same time.
Meanwhile workers and pensioners in Imo State have expressed reservation over Okorocha’s promise that N9B would be set aside to pay Pensioners, while Workers would be paid in advance hence forth.
Speaking to Trumpeta in Owerri, a retired Permanent Secretary who wished to remain anonymous told this Newspaper that this was not the first time Okorocha had promised to pay Imo Pensioners, which in the end just pale into a promise never met.
He said that years ago when Imo State received such funds from the Paris Club, Governor Okorocha made the same promise and never kept it. He said that rather when pressure were mounted on Okorocha, he only paid 70% of Pensioners allowances of just three months of over accumulated two years.
“This is not the first time we are getting this type of promise. But soon, the whole thing will end in a hoax and our money would be used for 2019 election” says the Retired Permanent Secretary.
Imo workers also expressed shock that Governor Okorocha said his administration is not owing workers.
“Since Okorocha assumed office, he has been paying us what he likes every month; sometimes 50%, 70% or 60%. He is only paying us half payment and our money is still with his Government. How can he say he is not owing Imo workers? When they brought forms for us to sign away our salaries, we refused till date, so, Okorocha is owing us Billions of us salary arrears”, A worker told Trumpeta.
