The Abia State Government has promised to address the concerns of non-indigenous workers who were dismissed about 13 years ago.
In response to mounting complaints, officials have assured that they will review the circumstances surrounding the layoffs and take appropriate action to resolve the issues.
Workers that were affected staged a protest march to the Government House in Umuahia, the Abia state capital yesterday, expressing their frustration over the state's indifference to their plights.
Under Senator Theodore Orji's administration, certain categories of workers, tagged non-indigenes, were dismissed from the state workforce in 2011.
Fidelia Ijeoma Ihejirika, the leader of the protesting dismissed workers, mentioned they met with the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Caleb Ejeagba and he assured them the government would review their situation and address their concerns.
“The CoS told us that the present Government in the state led by Governor Alex Otti was one that has come to correct the wrongs of the past and would therefore look into our case.
“We were happy with the assurance given to us by the CoS and as a Government with listening ears, we are optimistic it will do something soon to alleviate our sufferings.” Ihejirika revealed.
She disclosed that the affected workers took the state government to court over the issue, but had to suspend the court action immediately Otti was elected governor because of their love for him.
“We took the Abia State Government to court for dismissing us with ignominy. The case had progressed, but we suspended action on the matter when Dr. Alex Otti was declared governor last year because being a man we have supported since 2014, we believe he will look into our matter.”
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The protesters expressed regret over the way they were treated, displaying disappointment at being treated poorly after many years of service to the state.
However, they said they are hopeful that the new Otti-led administration will take positive action to alleviate their suffering. They expressed hope that despite their current hardships, they believe that the new leadership has the potential to address their grievances and improve their situation.
