Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, on Tuesday, urged the state work force to work towards enhancing the internally generated revenue (IGR), saying that an increase will make way for the payment of the new minimum wage of N30,000 monthly and more.

Addressing workers at the state secretariat during an event to commemorate this year’s Civil Service Day, the governor explained that he would only increase workers’ salaries if they help in increasing the IGR of the state to N3 billion.

He said: “In 2016 I increased your salary by 16 per cent without prompting, am I correct? What is important is that I did it without prompting and I encourage you to work hard to increase our IGR. If you increase my IGR to N3 billion, I will increase your salaries again.

“I had already promised to pay your minimum wage, but beyond the minimum wage, if you increase my IGR to N3 billion, I will increase your salaries again.

“I promised you a clean environment and you now have a home in your working place, just like your own home. I have paid some visits to some places and I am usually very unhappy about meeting dirty environments.

“Paying salaries promptly and other things we do in the state are done with money, so you must support us. Not when we do all these, some people will not come to work. If we find people who do not come to work, we will sack them without ceremonies.”

He reminded the workers of the era of recession when about 30 states could not pay salaries, but Anambra State workers received theirs every month.

The governor further said: “It is because of the love I have for you. You people have all received your Christmas rice, I hope. Let us help each other. Do not steal government funds because it is from there that we do the things you all see today.”

Highlight of the event was the presentation of award of exemplary service to five members and an undisclosed cash gift.

Obiano explained that the gesture was to encourage hard work among civil servants.

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