Thousands of Ebonyi workers on Tuesday embarked on a solidarity walk to appreciate Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru's payment of Christmas bonuses and other incentives to them in less than seven months in office.
The workers comprising members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC with their leaders took off from the Ecumenical Centre through Spera in Deo, Vanco Junction, Ogoja road to the International Market in Abakaliki capital city chanting solidarity songs for the governor.
Addressing the workers in his office Governor Francis Nwifuru said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity and gratitude towards his modest efforts to improve the welfare of workers in the state.
"Sincerely I want to tell you that I am challenged by the level of appreciation you have shown me today", Governor Nwifuru remarked.
While maintaining his stance in delivering his social contracts with Ebonyians, he assured of his government's readiness to always give accelerated attention to the welfare of workers.
The State Chief Executive urged them to close ranks and work for the interest of the state.
"When I came to power, I was challenged by the level of poverty in this state.
And I want to tell you for some of you who know me, I don't believe in praises, we must work together to develop our dear state. "
Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress Ebonyi State Chapter, Professor Ogugua Egwu and his Trade Union Counterpart, Comrade Chidi Igboji commended the Governor for "paying gratuities and pensions of workers since the creation of the state, Christmas bonus and other benefits to Ebonyi workers
They described the governor as a man with "renewed hope and renewed energy while congratulating him for his victory at the Supreme Court.
Nigerian Pilot recalled that Governor Nwifuru had during the Christmas season approved the payment of a hundred thousand across all state's workforce. He had earlier increased the salaries of workers a month after the assumption of office.
