Chief Ifeanyi Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate for Ebonyi State, pledged to improve workers’ welfare if elected. Speaking at a meeting with state workers in Abakaliki on Saturday, he emphasized that the workforce is a vital capital for societal development, creating the country’s wealth. He described Ebonyi as “the saddest state in the South East and in the country” because workers are denied freedom, equity, gratuities, salary increments, and leave allowances.
Odii expressed optimism that the era of neglecting workers’ promotion is over. He argued that paying workers well would enable them to contribute optimally to the state’s economy, circulating money and creating a ripple effect that boosts overall growth. “We shall partner very well with workers to build Ebonyi State’s economy,” he said, adding that the focus should be on human‑capital development, institutional and educational reforms, and ensuring that salaries, gratuities, pensions and other statutory benefits are paid. He warned that Ebonyi’s poverty stems from a poor mindset that prioritises personal wealth over collective well‑being, treating workers as a third class and depriving them of their entitlements.
If elected, Odii vowed to create an independent, accelerated economy and to end the poverty caused by incompetent, uncredible leadership that impoverishes people to silence them. He positioned himself against inhumanity, injustice and poverty, promising to liberate Ebonyi, restore dignity and trust, and rebuild confidence in government. “You have taken the right decision by adopting me as your sole candidate. The time of enslaving and militarizing the youths is over,” he declared.
One of the workers, Nwankpa Ogeri, spoke on behalf of her colleagues, affirming their intention to vote for the PDP candidate. She noted that Odii’s good works are widely recognized across the state and expressed confidence that, as governor, he would achieve even greater results. Ogeri highlighted that the workforce has been denied entitlements such as promotion increments, arrears, leave allowance, and the fifty percent minimum‑wage supplement previously granted by former governor Martin Elechi, which was later withdrawn. “We assure you of our solidarity and support and we will massively vote for you. If elected, we appeal for the restoration of entitlements, including payment of gratuities, leave allowance and the minimum wage,” she concluded.
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