ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, issued a directive on Monday, emphasizing the importance of timely worker promotions to avoid accumulating promotion arrears. The directive came during a courtesy call by Judges of the State Judiciary, led by Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Diai, at the Government House in Asaba.
Governor Oborevwori stated that his administration had allocated over N600 million monthly, with N10,000 per worker, for a three-month palliative payment to mitigate the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on workers.
Regarding promotion arrears, Governor Oborevwori firmly stated, “I don’t want to hear it again because if workers are promoted as and when due, the issue of promotion arrears will not arise. But when you delay and you take about two years and accumulate this money for us to pay, it is not easy for the Government.”
He further addressed the issue of salary arrears, clarifying that it was not caused by the government but by delayed promotions. He pledged to settle the arrears in four tranches, with two already paid and the remaining two to be concluded in November.
The Governor emphasized the significance of the Judiciary in ensuring prompt dispensation of justice and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to an independent and financially autonomous Judiciary. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the judiciary and praised their contributions to the state’s progress.
Governor Oborevwori also expressed support for the capacity-building efforts of the judiciary and the need for technologically savvy judicial officers. He announced the release of funds for the completion of a new ultra-modern high court complex, urging the judiciary to exert pressure on the contractor for timely completion.
Governor Oborevwori thanked the judges for their visit and wished them a successful new legal year.
Earlier, Chief Judge Justice Theresa Diai, representing the State Judiciary, congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory and the success at the Election Petition Tribunal. She provided an overview of the State Judiciary’s composition and highlighted ongoing initiatives, such as revenue collection automation and the need for additional juvenile centers. She assured the Governor of the judiciary’s cooperation in making his administration a success.
