A’Ibom workers applaud Emmanuel over approval of 2019 promotion

Workers in Akwa Ibom state are thrilled by the announcement that Udom Emmanuel, the governor, has approved the release of the 2019 promotion of 2,248 workers in the state.

Effiong Essien, head of civil service, broke the news during the official opening ceremony of a 5-day capacity building retreat for officers on grade levels 13 to 17 in Uyo, the state capital, on Tuesday.

According to him, “in his avowed commitment to the development of workers and growth of the Civil Service, Governor Udom Emmanuel has approved the release of the 2019 promotion to 2, 248 workers in the state government employ”.

Those promoted are officers from grade level seven and above who participated in the 2019 promotion exercise.

Essien described the promotion as very timely and beneficial, saying additional earnings would augment the increasing family expenditure of the affected workers and charged the workers not to relent in their dedication and support to the present government to reciprocate the Governor’s sincere concern for them.

Meanwhile, the announcement has received widespread applause within and outside the civil service in the state.

Reacting to the announcement, Unyime Usoro, special assistant on labour matters, said it is another indication that the governor is sensitive to the welfare of Akwa Ibom workers and keen on improving their condition of service.

He said the promotion was very timely because “naturally, every action taken towards improvement of welfare of workers will impact positively on workers’ morale and productivity”.

Usoro, who is a former state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), added that workers are very mindful of promotion since their monetary benefits are tied to their grade level per time as such if their promotion is either denied or delayed it would demoralise them.

“There are a number of things [benefits] that are dependent on the grade level which you are. For instance, your leave grant depends your salary grade level, if you want to go on tour and even your retirement benefits, so the moment workers’ promotion is delayed or denied it will demoralise them which in turns adversely affects their morale and output,” he said.

“So, it is a very good development and His Excellency, Governor Udom Emmanuel, has taken this step to boost the morale of workers in the service. Now, even those yet to receive their promotion will be hopeful that their turn will come.”