Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has appealed to workers in the State to show understanding over the “Back to Land for Agriculture” programme of the Government.
The appeal is contained in a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo. Government directed workers to work from Mondays to Wednesdays and use Thursdays and Fridays to farm.
“What the governor did was to unveil Exco’s decision and the policy is in the overall interest of the state,” Onwuemeodo said.
He added that the workers were directed to come to work for three days and farm for two days while those on essential duties like the teachers, nurses, doctors, political appointees and IGR personnel should work for five days.
“The workers were not asked to go home to stay idle. And if they dutifully engage in farming, it will not only help their individual economies but will also boost the economy of the state. The governor had equally made it clear that the development will not in any way affect the salaries of the workers,’’ it said.
The statement noted that there was nothing wrong with the workers being told to farm for two days, considering the clamour for all to go back to agriculture because of the dwindling allocation, occasioned by the drop in the price of oil.
“The new policy is in the best interest of everybody. If it succeeds, it will mark an enviable turning point in the economy of the state. No one thinks that any patriotic citizen of Imo state will oppose this lofty programme.
“The governor is still appealing to the leadership of NLC in the state to appreciate the good intentions in all he is doing for the people and also show understanding over the new policy,’’ the statement said.
The NLC leaders had ordered workers in the state to ignore the governor’s directive. (NAN)
