While others jingle bells this holiday, Ebonyi and Rivers State civil servants will most likely be jingling money. The State’s governor, Francis Nwifuru, has approved one hundred thousand naira (100 000.00) as a Christmas bonus for all the state civil servants.
Mirroring River State governor Siminalayi Fubara, who recently extended a similar gesture to workers in his State, governor Nwifuru pledged to ensure that every civil servant in Ebonyi has something to celebrate this Yuletide. The gift package would be a bag of rice and a bonus of almost three times the country’s minimum wage.
He announced on Thursday during the flag-off of Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s pet project tagged “The Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)”. Gov. Nwifuru commended Senator Oluremi’s disposition and assured Ebonyians that he would not watch them suffer. Speaking about his unprecedented gesture, the governor said: “Though it’s difficult, the workers of this state must live like others during this festive season.” He urged the potential beneficiaries to joyously share with their families and neighbours.
Continuing his spirited address to the assembly, he said: “As a leader of the state, it is necessary to be a blessing in the homes of everyone in this state. I cannot say that I’m doing this because it is not my personal money. It is the money of the state that I am using, which I was elected to manage.” He explained that he has resolved with the caucus and also the principal officers of the government to see that workers in Ebonyi State are rewarded for their hard work.
His announcement appealed to the people present at the event, which took place at the ecumenical centre in Abakaliki. Whether Governor Fubara and Nwifuru’s moves are genuine or political stunts, one thing is certain: the workers will have a happy holiday.
About The Author
