The CEO of Stelconic Properties Limited, Chief Sir Chukwuemeka Nkem Pat Orjiakor has praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his timely intervention to alleviate the sufferings of Ndi Anambra following the removal of fuel subsidies.
This comes at the back of the governor’s recent announcement of the state’s plans to cushion the effect of the Subsidy Removal on residents and people of Anambra State.
In an interview with NewdayReporters, Hon Orjiakor, said ” I want to congratulate the governor who has been proactive with his timely intervention to cushion the effect of this subsidy removal on Ndi Anambra.”
“This shows that we has a compassionate leader who is close to the people and understands the plight of his people.”
“His intervention is timely and will provide needed succour to Ndi Anambra who are currently facing harsh times as a result of this subsidy removal. I will encourage the elites in the society, the rich, the various institutions, churches and individuals to see what they can do in their own little capacity also to support what the government is doing.” He told journalists
It can be recalled that Soludo, earlier has announced the measures the state will take to cushion the effect of Subsidy Removal.
According to a statement posted on his official social media handle, the governor said “Our response recognizes that the subsidy removal affects ALL citizens, especially millions of the unemployed and underemployed youths and vulnerable segments of the population. Our interim response reflects the need to target the total population.”
“Palliatives
a. Salary Augmentation and Cash Award:
(i) In our foresighted response to the rising inflation, our government had increased the salaries of all public servants by 10% effective January 2023. We have been paying the 10% adjustment since January 2023.”
“(ii) In addition to the salary increase, we will be paying every pensioner and public servant in the employment of the Anambra State Government and the 21 LGAs (approx. 59,000 persons) for the period September 2023 to December 2023 a monthly flat non-taxable cash award of N12,000. This is to augment their monthly take-home.”
“b. We will continue to clear the backlog of gratuity and pension of our pensioners.”
“Recall that we met 4-year pension and gratuity arrears when we assumed office, which we have been paying since assumption of office.”
“c. Anambra State Government will be distributing rice to over 300,000 households in the coming weeks across the 326 wards in Anambra.”
“Tax Exemptions/Reductions:
a. The following highly vulnerable persons are exempt from all forms of taxation/levies: hawkers; wheel barrow and truck pushers; vulcanizers; artisans, okada drivers; petty traders with capital of less than N100,000; etc.”
“b. The IGR payments of ALL transporters – Keke, Minibus, etc are hereby reduced by 20% with effect from September 01, 2023.”
“c. Basic Education (primary school to JSS3) remain tuition free for all public schools.”
“We are reviewing the plethora of other levies, fees, and charges in these schools. Before schools resume in September 2023, we shall make further announcements to sanitize the system and reduce the burden on our pupils/students and their sponsors.”
“d. Henceforth, we will provide free antenatal services and free delivery services to pregnant mothers in State primary health centres and general hospitals.”
“We will announce a more comprehensive medical package for our residents, especially the senior citizens and children in our 2024 budget.”
“e. We call on the landlords to show empathy to their tenants at this challenging moment and consider easier options for rent payment.”
“Transport
a. We have approved the repair/renovation of all serviceable Public Servants Staff Buses currently under the office of the Head of Service of Anambra State to facilitate the movement of public servants.”
“b. Still on initiative to reduce the cost of transportation for the larger segment of Ndi Anambra, we will be applying to purchase many of the CNG-fueled buses to be provided by the Federal Government for intra-state transportation.”
“The aim is to reduce the cost of transportation within Anambra.”
“c. We will embark immediately on the repair of existing and purchase of new water boats to ease transportation for our citizens in the riverine local governments.” the statement read
21st August, 2023
ANAMBRA STATE INTERIM RESPONSE TO CUSHION THE EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR
GovernorNigeria is undergoing fundamental re-setting of the macroeconomic framework. pic.twitter.com/d9XT85jehQ
— Chukwuma Charles SOLUDO, CFR (@CCSoludo) August 21, 2023
