Okorocha swears in new SSG, berates ASUU over strike

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has sworn-in career civil servant, Sir George Eche, as the new Secretary to the State Government.

He replaced Sir Jude Ejiogu, who was sacked two weeks ago.

Speaking, the governor clarified that “your predecessor, Sir. Jude Ejiogu, was never sacked out of dishonour. He put in his best but you must remember at all times that every political appointment must end one day”.

He, however, lambasted the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Imo State University, IMSU chapter, for their industrial action over non-payment of salaries.

“It is shocking that the ASUU in IMSU told lecturers to go on strike in the second week of March because of February salary, when they had been paid full salary for the month of January,” Okorocha said.

“It is not acceptable to the state government. ASUU in IMSU should call off the strike without delay because it was by all standard not justifiable and not advisable.

“They went on strike over two months salary and we then agreed with labour that they should take 70 per cent of the total income of the state to pay salaries and pensions, while the government takes only thirty per cent for capital expenditure.

“And now, they have seen the truth of what we have been telling them about the finances of the state”, he said.

Okorocha also announced that the state may only be able to pay 50 per cent of workers’ February salaries.

“Imo workers should imbibe the spirit of sacrifice because of the prevailing economic situation. They should show concern. Imo people should also show understanding. The state has the highest number of ghost workers.

“The government has set aside N3.5billion for the job and factory campaign slogan of the state government, which must be agro based.”