Pay workers, pensioners now - Bishop urges state govts

Anglican Bishop of Egbu, Rt. Rev. Geoffrey Okorafor has urged state governments to offset the backlog of salaries and allowances owed their workers and pensioners.
Bishop Okorafor who gave the advice during a Eucharistic service of confirmation, admission and induction for Emekuku Parish at St. Stephen's Church Emekuku in Owerri North LGA, Imo State, said it was appalling that only nine states in the Federation could boast of full payment of salaries to its workers.

He wondered the essence of democracy when civil servants were being owed salaries and pensioners their due entitlements. He called on the 27 state governments still owing their workers and pensioners to rise up to the challenge, ensuring that they paid up every outstanding salaries and pensions, with the expectant release of the second tranche of the Paris Club loan refund.

He maintained that it was against the ethics of both International and local labour laws to owe workers, insisting that labourers were entitled to their wages.

Bishop Okorafor encouraged Christians to always identify with their home hurches making sure they reinvigorated their membership regularly, while also being strong and active where they reside. He applauded the spirit of togetherness amongst the Church workers in the parish, noting that it reflected tolerance and harmony in the place and commended the Vicar, Rev. Canon Emmanuel Ahumibe and the wife, Mrs Chimdiuto Ahumibe for their leadership roles.