The deputy majority leader of the Abia State House of Assembly has said he sponsored the motion for approval of 21 days of paternity leave for male public and civil servants in the state to enable them to care for their wives and children after delivery.
Hon Mathias Umeh stated this to LEADERSHIP in Umuahia, the state capital, yesterday after the motion was passed “with some minor modifications,” as announced by the speaker of the House, Emmanuel Emeruwa.
The motion, which the members highly contested, was entitled H.A M.35: Motion for the State to approve Paternity Leave for Male Officers in Abia State Public and Civil Service.
“The period will assist them in providing the support their wives need during their period of childbirth, taking care of the newborns, and enhancing parental bonding, among others,” he argued.
The Labour Party member representing the Umunneochi constituency noted that if the motion is approved, the state will be considered one of the country’s most worker-friendly states.
Umeh, who recalled that the federal government had, through the head of service of the federation, approved the policy through a circular, noted that some states had already adopted the policy
During deliberation on the motion on the floor of the House, those in favour of it said it would provide the workers with a sense of belonging, enhanced support for family life, and better parenting.
On the other hand, those against it argued that it would lead to low productivity and create a dichotomy between workers and their counterparts in the private sector.
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