We’re Not Owing Salary Arrears – Imo PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has described as mischievous, malicious, unacceptable and totally false, the story making the rounds that the party is owing its staff one year salary arrears.

This was made known by the state secretary of the party, Nze Ray Emeana, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP Weekend.

He said; “For the avoidance of doubt, as the state secretary of the party in Imo State, I make bold to state categorically that our party has been regular and prompt with payment of staff salaries, and up till this month, October, not a single staff is owed a dime in salary arrears.

“Imo PDP therefore views the story as a deliberate attempt to cast a slur on the leadership of the party in the state and create the impression that our party is not strong and viable, since the inability to shoulder basic responsibilities also clearly implies lack of readiness and requisite war chest to wrest power from the wobbling APC in the state.”

Nze Emeana stressed that the report attempts to put Imo PDP on the same pedestal with the APC who derives joy in owing Imo civil servants

He highlighted that this misconception doesn’t reflect the reality in Imo PDP, “given that all the party structures and organs are fully prepared and energised to defeat all other parties come 2023.

“What also troubles our party is that such fake news tends to undermine and discountenance the huge contributions of our leaders, who have so persistently ensured that all the party’s financial obligations are adequately met.

“In this regard, the efforts of former Governor Emeka Ihedioha stand out. Equally worthy of commendation is the efforts of elected members of the party and the finance committee.”

Meanwhile, the Imo State government has thrown more light on why operatives of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) are still keeping in their custody a staff of the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation, Casmir Chinonye Uzomah.

It will be recalled that in the past few days, the social media have been awash with demands for the release of Uzomah who was arrested by the DSS for airing on the IBC radio station, Orient FM, an alleged libelous song against Governor Hope Uzodimma while on duty at the radio station on August 4, 2022.

The Imo State commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba said the DSS wants to ensure that investigation into the reason Uzomah was detained is not jeopardised.

“Some of those ignorantly calling for his release have gone far enough to baselessly claim that he was detained on the orders of the state government.

“For the avoidance of doubt, neither the Imo State government nor the Imo Broadcasting Corporation is responsible for the arrest of the said Casmir Chinonye Uzomah. He was arrested by the DSS for airing subversive material capable of threatening national security.