By CHARLES IWUOHA

Thousands of Ebonyi workers Monday embarked on solidarity work to appreciate Governor Francis Nwifuru for payment of Christmas bonus and other incentives to them.

The workers took off from Ecumenical Centre through Spera-in-Deo, Vanco Junction, Ogoja road to International Market chanting solidarity songs.

Addressing the workers in his office at the new government house, Centenary city, Abakiliki Governor Nwifuru said he was overwhelmed by the show of solidarity and gratitude towards his modest efforts to improve the welfare of workers.

“Sincerely I want to tell you that I am challenged by the level of appreciation you have shown me today”, Governor Nwifuru remarked.

While maintaining his stance in delivering his social contracts with Ebonyians, he assured of his government’s readiness to always give accelerated attention to the welfare of workers.

Nwifuru urged them to close ranks and work for the interest of the state.

“When I came to power, I was challenged by the level of poverty in the state. And I want to tell you for some of you who know me, I don’t believe in praises, we must work together to develop our dear state.”

Earlier, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Ebonyi State Chapter, Professor Ogugua Egwu and his Trade Union Counterpart, TUC Comrade Chidi Igboji commended the Governor for “paying gratuities and pensions of workers since the creation of the state, Christmas bonus and other benefits to Ebonyi workers.”

They described the governor as a man with “renewed hope and renewed energy, while congratulating him for his victory at the Supreme Court.”

It would be recalled that Governor Nwifuru had during the Christmas season approved the payment of a hundred thousand across all state’s workforce even as he had increased the salaries of workers a month after the assumption of office.