Tony John, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the State Government will amend the state contributory pension scheme law to enable retired civil servants access their funds.
Wike spoke yesterday, during a courtesy visit by the President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bobboi Kaigama, at the Government House, Port Harcourt, saying that the bill for the amendment of the law would l be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for passage.
He said: “The amendment of the contributory pension scheme law will tackle the challenge being faced by civil servants who retired under the scheme.
“I will send the bill for the amendment of the law to the State House of Assembly for passage. Thereafter, we will implement the amended law”.
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The governor said that the State Executive Council has negotiated with labour leaders on the procedure to resolve the challenge inherited from the immediate past administration.
On the issue of minimum wage, Governor Wike urged Labour to prevail on the Federal Government to review the revenue sharing formula, since the states bear the larger burden.
“The Federal Government should understand that the review is necessary to lessen the burden on the states”, he said.
Speaking further, Governor Wike stated that whatever minimum wage is finally resolved, the State Government will pay.
He also informed that his administration will commence the release of interest-free loans to civil servants at the end of the month.
In his remarks, President of TUC, Kaigama , declared that the State is working. He said that reports from Rivers workers confirm that Wike is developing the state.
He commended the governor for the regular payment of salaries and pensions, which is critical to workers’ welfare.
He described Wike as a comrade , who works for the good of the people of the State.