NAN-H -43
Pension
By Douglas Okoro
Abakaliki, Feb. 20, 2017 (NAN) Ebonyi Head of Service (HoS) Chamberlain Nwele said the state government observed all laid down procedures in the introduction of Contributory Pension Scheme for public and civil servants in the state.
Nwele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki on Monday in that the state government observed due process in the implementation of the scheme.
He accused the organised Labour of insincerity and being economical with truth, for alleging government’s non-compliance before implementing the scheme.
The HoS, who was reacting to alleged opposition of the organised Labour to the implementation of the new pension regime in Ebonyi, said that government fulfilled all the requirements as stipulated by law.
According to him, the state government reviewed relevant documents, consulted the relevant sections of the 2014 Pension Reform Act as amended as well as met with the organised Labour before it embarked on establishment of the scheme.
“There was public hearing at the state House of Assembly, the Pension Commission (PenCom) in collaboration with the state government and the organised Labour conducted a two-day sensitisation workshop for workers.
“We met severally with representatives of the various Labour unions, including the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), among others on the issue.
“At no time did government sideline the organised Labour during the process of negotiations, introduction and implementation of the new pension scheme for Ebonyi workers,’’ he added.
He said that government had ordered the immediate refund of money deducted from the workers January salaries.
Nwele added that background checks were being run on Pension Funds Administrators (PFAs) that the state was intending to engage.
“The money deducted from the January salaries of workers was done in error and government has directed for the immediate refund of the money.
“The Contributory Pension Scheme bill was signed into law by Gov. Dave Umahi on Feb. 14 and any deduction before the coming into effect of the law is illegal,” he added.
Nwele urged Labour to tow the path of honour, stressing that the latest outburst was capable of causing labour unrest in the state.
He said that the introduction of scheme was part of strategies to ease pension problem, noting that retirees were being owed five billion Naira gratuity arrears.
The HoS said that government would continue to implement worker-friendly policies to boost productivity.
The organised labour in Ebonyi at a recent media briefing faulted the procedure for the implementation of the scheme. (NAN)
ODO/OIF/OFN
(Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo//Felix Nwadioha