Privatisation: FG, PHCN workers resolve row

The Federal Government has now resolved the labour related issues, which appeared to be a clog in the wheel in the government’s resolve to privatize the power sector.
The Permanent Secretary, Power Ministry, Dr. Godknows Igali, who broke the news on Wednesday, said that the implementation committee has resolved all contending issues and promised that before the end of this week, at least over 38,000 workers would have had the payments effected.
Igali blamed the few hiccups experienced in the course of the exercise on the large number of people involved, adding that government has enough fund for the process, but was being careful in ensuring that money was not paid into wrong accounts.
Igali commended labour for its show of patriotism, just as he said of the 47,000 staff involved, 45,366 persons have been captured and promised that the remaining would be done after the office of the Accountant General finalises its processes.
Also speaking at the end of the negotiation, Jonah Otunla, the Accountant General of the Federation, said his office is always ready to pay all outstanding payments after all due processes.
Otunla also reiterated the resolve of government to honour all obligations to PHCN workers.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, who spoke on behalf of the union, blamed government for sending the wrong signals as to what led to the stoppage of payment, which had commence earlier.
Ajaero said on the part of labour, the hope is that in two weeks, the government should complete the process as they do not expect the process to be indefinite.
He commended the government for providing solutions to issues agitating the minds of the unions, but was quick to admit the need for biometric capture of all workers before payment.
He urged all members of the unions nationwide to suspend their planned action and protest, as this will give room to the workers to watch if the government will still be committed to ensuring prompt payment of entitlements to its members.