A civil society organisation, CSO,  Abians for Good Governance, AGG has given notice of its intentions to join othr good conscience organisations, civil servants in Abia State and pensioners in a week long demonstration over workers unpaid salaries and pension arrears.

Convener of the protest, journalist and civil activist, Don Norman Obinna in a press statement stated as follows:


NOTICE OF A WEEK-LONG PROTEST

''This notice is to inform all Abia residents of good conscience including Civil Society Organisations of a week-long peaceful demonstration in solidarity with the civil servants and pensioners over their unpaid 18/25 months’ salary/pension arrears including18 years gratuities.

''The protest is scheduled to hold from Monday, July 1, to Friday, July 5, 2019, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja simultaneously.

''The peaceful demonstration became inevitable after the 30 days’ ultimatum given to Abia State government by Abians for Good Governance (AGG) to pay the backlog of pensions/salaries elapsed on Tuesday, July 4, 2019, without compliance.

 ''The realisation also that Abia State got the sum of N20.8 billion in the first quarter of 2019 (January to March), N6.6 billion in April from FAAC Allocation and N5.7 billion, Paris Club Refund at the end of March, yet failed to consider the pitiable conditions of the workers/pensioners left us with no choice.
What could have been the prime concern of the government than the improvement of the wellbeing of its residents? According to Eric Hoffer, “No matter how noble the objectives of a government, if it blurs decency and kindness, cheapens human life, and breeds ill will and suspicion; it is an evil government.

''Needless to say that government insensitivity towards the plight of pensioners/civil servants has culminated in untold hardship and hundreds of avoidable deaths, hence the need to call the world's attention to it.

''Abians can no longer fold their arms and watch the disdainful treatment by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu led PDP government against our workers and retirees.

''Payment of salaries and pensions (as and when due) is a right, not a privilege every responsible government owes its workers and retirees. No excuse can justify this maltreatment.

''We, therefore, urge all Abians to come out in their numbers in solidarity with the pensioners and civil servants on the dates listed above in Umuahia and Abuja respectively. Dress code is black.

 ''There will be a world press conference on Thursday, June 28, 2019. Invited media organisations will be informed about the venue and time.
Abuja participants should call 08181933333 while those who wish to take part in Umuahia should call 07012584958 for enquiries.

 ''Thanks
Yours faithfully
Don Norman Obinna
Convener, Abians for Good Governance (AGG)''