Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has stated that the State Government will amend the state contributory pension scheme law to enable retired civil servants access their funds.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Kaigama at the Government House Port Harcourt on Friday, Governor Wike said that the bill for the amendment of the law will 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”.
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 Amaechi 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 Rivers State Government will pay.
Governor Wike 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, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama declared that Rivers State is working. He said that reports from Rivers workers confirm that Governor Wike is developing the state.
He commended Governor Wike for the regular payment of salaries and pensions, which is critical to workers welfare.
He described Governor Wike as a comrade who works for the good of the people of Rivers State.
