FROM DENNIS MERNYI, ABUJA
The Implementation Committee on Payment of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) terminal benefits of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is set to commence payments of severance benefits to staff retirees and Next of Kins (NOKs), who would be verified in nine centres across the country.
Speaking to newsmen on the heel of the threat to public property by aggrieved union members and ex-workers of PHCN, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Power, Prof. Chidi Onyia, said that Nigerians deserve to have adequate information in order to have informed position of the issues involved.
He said the committee put in place by the BPE and which also have representations from the Ministry and Office of the Accountant General has diligently handled all issues pertaining to verification and has drawn up a check-list for all beneficiaries to bring to the various designated centres, upon which they are paid.
According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated a clear understanding of the nation’s labour law which informed his directives to the handlers of severance package to be diligent in the validation processes, adding that government does not want to pay ghost workers but the right people.
He said so far, a whopping N372 billion has already been paid out to disengaged PHCN workers, stressing that government has always treated its workers with utmost dignity and respect.
Furthermore, the ministerial aide debunked the assertion that government was insensitive to the plight of the disengaged PHCN workers, saying the Minister has directed that all issues pertaining to it be resolved on time.
He said this position has nothing to do with the forthcoming general election, just as he reiterated that the Minister of Power was desirous of building harmonious labour relationship for the entire power sector, assuring that the core or residual staff in the sector would be paid as at when due.
Source : SunOnline
