Xmas Rice Scandal Rocks Imo Ministry, As Workers Lament Over Commissioner's Greed

Few days ago, reports have it that Christmas activities have been
grounded in the State Ministries, Parastatals and Agencies because of
no payment of salaries, especially the November salaries with which
the workers make up their co-thrift savings.

A visit to the state secretariat now would showcase beehive of
activities as workers are busy with smiling faces sharing food items
which money they have been saving since January preparatory to this
period.

But Trumpeta reports that staff of block One in the State Secretariat
are not smiling because their commissioner has almost carried away the
bags of rice meant for the staff this Christmas.

Sources informed Trumpeta that this particular ministry which bye
product has to do with physical exercises had budgeted 90 bags of rice
to the delight of about 74 workers that make up the ministry for
Christmas. As they expected at least a bag each.

But the faces of the workers suddenly changed when it was discovered
that the helmsman alone took 10 bags while the Permanent Secretary
took 7 bags leaving officers from levels 12-15 with 2 bags each. Other
categories of workers are to get a bag each in groups of 4, 5 or 6.

The source said even the orderlies of the helmsmen are included in the
staff share instead of from the helmsman's supply. Some of the workers
who spoke to our reporter at the secretariat said the "oga" has even
instructed his orderlies to deal with any staff who agitates over the
rice sharing formular.

Meanwhile, at the ministry of finance, the story is a different kettle
of fish altogether. The staff said that their commissioner was
magnanimous enough to release some of his own share just to ensure
that at least every worker got a bag of rice for Christmas.

Some workers who reacted to this development wondered when the common
man would receive fair treatment in the hands of the powers that be in
the state.

Meanwhile any moment from now, the rescue mission government led by
Owelle Rochas Okorocha will commence the distribution of Christmas
goodies to the rural communities through the CGC.

A source hinted that the Governor has sat with CGC officials over the
Christmas gifts.

The Governor will also extend his gifts to Imo workers at the appropriate time.

In a similar development, the Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Eze
Madumere has treated staff of his department to lavishing gifts.
Reports say he extended similar gesture to his home community Achi
Mbieri.