Delta Assembly Ready to Fast Track 13th Month Salary Bill, Says Umukoro

By Endurance Ikanone

The Chief Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Perkins Umukoro, has assured that the Assembly is ready to give expeditious consideration to the proposed executive bill seeking to institutionalise the payment of a 13th month salary for civil servants in Delta State.

Umukoro gave the assurance while reacting to the approval by the Delta State Executive Council of a memo presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to make the 13th month salary a permanent statutory benefit for workers in the state.

The Chief Whip described the development as a landmark decision that clearly demonstrates Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to the welfare of workers and the general wellbeing of Deltans.

According to him, once the executive bill is transmitted to the House, lawmakers will accord it speedy legislative attention in line with established procedures, noting that it is the type of people oriented legislation the Assembly looks forward to supporting.

He said the proposed law would ensure that the payment of the 13th month salary is no longer dependent on the discretion of any administration but becomes a legal entitlement for civil servants, allowing workers to continue enjoying the benefit beyond the tenure of the present government.

Umukoro commended Governor Oborevwori for thinking about the future security and welfare of workers, adding that the governor has consistently placed the interests of Deltans above personal considerations.

The lawmaker noted that the governor’s welfare policies have positively impacted not only civil servants but also pensioners, youths, women, widows and other vulnerable groups across the state through various empowerment and social support initiatives.

He said the Assembly remains committed to collaborating with the executive arm to enact laws that will improve the living conditions of the people and promote sustainable development across Delta State.

Umukoro also welcomed other key decisions taken at the Executive Council meeting, including the proposed recruitment of additional teachers for public secondary schools, particularly in science subjects, and the approval for the procurement and installation of equipment for the Technical College in Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

He said the planned equipping of technical colleges and the recruitment of more teachers would help improve the quality of education and provide young people with practical skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

The Chief Whip further praised the administration for approving additional measures in the health and transport sectors, including the creation of new transport routes across the state, describing the decisions as evidence of a government focused on improving public services and expanding opportunities for residents.

He expressed confidence that the Oborevwori administration would continue to introduce policies and programmes that strengthen public institutions, enhance workers’ welfare and accelerate inclusive development across Delta State.