This was as he noted that the workforce remains a prominent capital in the development of every society, because according to him, they create the wealth of the country.
He stated this during a meeting with workers in the state, in Abakaliki, on Saturday.
“Ebonyi is the saddest state in the South East and in the country because workers are denied their freedom and equity, workers are denied their gratuity, their salary increment and their leave allowance,” he observed.
He expressed optimism that the time to sit on workers’ promotion was over, in the state.
He said, “If you pay workers well, they will contribute optimally to the state’s economy, money will circulate in the state and create a ripple effect that will boost the economy of the state.
“We shall partner very well with workers to build Ebonyi State economy,” stressing “we don’t need more flyovers, we need human capital development, institutional reforms, educational reform, assuring that salaries must be paid, all your gratuities, pensions and salaries will be paid.
“Ebonyi state is rated one of the poorest states in the country because “They don’t know how to create wealth, they can’t give what they don’t have because they have a poor mindset, they want accumulated wealth first for themselves, and they think the people are not human beings. They see the workers as third class, that can be deprived of their gratuity and statutory benefits.
“If elected, I will build an independent and accelerated economy in the state. There is poverty because we have not elected those who understand good governance which is the demand of the people.
“There is poverty because the leaders lack the capacity and competence and they are not credible. This is why when they come to power, they first impoverish the people so that you don’t have voices because when you don’t have voices, you become their slaves.
“I stand against inhumanity, injustice and poverty. I’m here to liberate Ebonyi State, to make Ebonyi people proud, to restore dignity and trust, to rebuild the confidence of the people in government.
“So, you have taken the right decision by adopting me as your sole candidate. The time of enslaving and militarizing the youths is over.”
One of the workers, Nwankpa Ogeri, who spoke on behalf of her colleagues, said they were poised to vote for the PDP gubernatorial candidate, pointing out that his good works were not only known but were seen all over the state.
“We are convinced that as governor, you will do even greater than you had done.
“Workforce has been denied all their entitlements, including promotion increment, arrears, leave allowance, and more importantly, the fifty per cent of the minimum wage, which former governor Martin Elechi gave us, was taken away.
“We assure you of our solidarity and support and we will massively vote for you. If elected, we appeal to restore the entitlements, including payment of gratuities, the leave allowance and the minimum wage,” she said.
