Palliatives: Anambra legislators make case for private sector workers

The Anambra State House of Assembly has appealed to the private sector in the state, to provide palliative measures to cushion the effect of economic hardship on their work force. This was contained in a motion moved under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, by the Majority leader, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, representing Ekwusigo Constituency at plenary on Tuesday. Ofodeme said that the continuous rise in the cost of living in Nigeria had reduced the purchasing power of an average worker in the state. He said that the recent removal of fuel subsidy which increased the cost of petrol with consequential increase in price of commodities, had further worsened the condition of an average worker. According to him, It is sad that most workers in the private sector of Anambra can hardly meet their basic needs. “It is worrisome that the salaries of most private sector workers in the state cannot meet up with their basic needs in the face of all these economic challenges. “The situation has made many workers in the state to resort to various ethical and unethical means to survive while giving room to corporate begging at work place. “Providing palliative measures will enable private sector workers in Anambra to adjust to the prevailing economic situation, thereby improving productivity,” he said. Supporting the motion, Mr Ejike Okechukwu, representing Anaocha Constituency ll, urged the captains of industries in the state to emulate Gov. Chukwuma Soludo in the provision of palliative measures. “The fuel subsidy removal is affecting everybody. Just as the Governor is rolling out palliatives for public workers, the private sector should do same for their workers, ” he said. Contributing, Mr Kingsley Udemezue, representing Idemili North, appealed to the private sector to support the state government in the provision of palliatives for households in the state. “The private sector should see this gesture as a corporate social responsibility. It is giving back to the society where they operate their businesses,” he said. Mr Nonso Atuchukwu, representing Nnwei South Constituency l, urged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of prudence to manage their expenses and finances generally. The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, read the resolution. “The state assembly calls on captain of industries and private establishments in the state to emulate the palliative measures of Mr Governor and effect same in the private sector to cushion the effect of economic hardship on the work force. (NAN)