From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
THE Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has approved three work days for state civil servants while Thursday and Friday would be used for farming.
This was as he introduced a new policy tagged: “Back to land for agriculture” to enable the state engage and invest in agriculture for self- sustenance, since from all indications the state can no longer depend on monthly allocation for survival.
This was made know in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo.
However, the governor exempted public servants on essential duties like the teachers, nurses, doctors and people involved in Internally Generated Revenue drive. Political appointees are also exempted from the three days working periods.
“We shall try this programme for the period of one year, starting from 1st of August 2016 and hopefully this will help. Let me make this emphasis before it is misconstrued or misrepresented, that this does not in any way affect the salaries of the workers.
“The policy does not mean
that there will be a cut in salary rather let us now find a way for our workers to supplement their salaries.
“However, with the new development the state Government has cancelled annual leave and causal leave as civil servants in the state are now expected to work from 7.30 am to 4pm on the new prescribed work days
“For this reason the issue of annual leave and casual leave is hereby cancelled. Resumption time for work has changed from 8am to 7.30am in the morning and ends by 4pm. Any worker that is not found on his or her seat between 7.30am and 4pm on the days concerned will be summarily dismissed.
“Everybody must go back to agriculture. Every political appointee must own a farm. The youths would also be encouraged to take to agriculture. Schools including universities, polytechnics and secondary schools in the state must own farms.
“The Community Government Council (CGC) must be strengthened for the sake of this agricultural programme,” the statement said.