VIDEO: ‘We don’t have plans for employment’ — Abia speaker confirms, validating NBS unemployment report | #NwokeukwuMascot

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Abia Speaker Confirms No Plans for Employment, Validates NBC Unemployment Reports | #NwokeukwuMascot

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The Governor Alex Otti-led administration of Abia State, which has laid off thousands of civil servants, has admitted it has no plans to address the rising unemployment crisis in the state.

Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa, Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, made this revelation in a viral video, stating that the government has no plans to create jobs. His remarks have drawn widespread attention, particularly as they align with the recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) report that ranks Abia as the state with the highest unemployment rate in Nigeria.

The video, which quickly circulated online, has sparked reactions as many attribute the growing insecurity in the state to the economic hardship brought on by the administration's policies. In his native dialect, Speaker Emeruwa stated, "There is no budget for employment in 2024."

The NBS report, which highlights the state's staggering unemployment rate, reflects data from 2023 when Governor Otti dismissed 7,000 civil servants hired in 2022. The fallout from these layoffs has been significant, with additional workers indirectly affected. Some of these employees continue to protest, presenting valid documents to refute claims of being ghost workers. 

Additionally, the dissolution of the Abia Town Planning Authority, which stalled the operations of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), has worsened the situation. As many predict, the NBS unemployment report for 2024 could show an even grimmer picture for the state.

Mr. Eke O. Ako, in a Facebook post titled "Abia Tops Chart in Unemployment Rate in Nigeria," expressed concern over the state's alarming statistics. He noted, "Despite a state revenue of N219.2 billion and approximately N100 billion in LGA revenue in 2023, Abia recorded the highest unemployment rate in Nigeria, with 18.74% of its population jobless. 

The national unemployment rate stood at 5.4%. Why are the seaports, airports, and industries promised on social media not employing Abians? Hell has come! I warned you! Where are the e-rats that attacked me?"

Another concerned resident, Eric Ikwagwu, wrote in a post captioned "Abia Unemployment Hits 18.7%, Speaker Confirms Employment Isn't Otti's Priority," emphasizing the need for immediate action. He stated, “The NBS report has confirmed that Abia is the poverty capital of Nigeria with an unprecedented unemployment rate of 18.7%. Governor Otti has consistently maintained that youth employment isn’t his priority, and this was confirmed by his Speaker in the viral video.

"Otti has laid off over 20,000 workers, with many more at risk of losing their jobs over minor issues. He hasn’t created a single job nor attracted any foreign investors to the state, despite spending billions in taxpayers' money traveling abroad in search of foreign investments. Could this be a case of globetrotting for estacode scams?"

Ikwuagwu further suggested solutions to the unemployment crisis, advocating for the recall of sacked workers and a reduction in government extravagance. He argued that the revitalization of the Aba Garment Factory, Shoe Factory, and Specialist Hospital could absorb some of the unemployed youths in the state. He also criticized the government's lack of support for SMEs, which he claims were instrumental in boosting Abia's economy in the past.

To reduce the state's unemployment rate, Ikeagwu urged Governor Otti to focus on job creation and cut down on excessive spending, particularly the N60 million daily on security votes and N57.8 million on the governor’s office at Nvosi. He stressed that these funds could be better utilized to improve the welfare of all Abians.

Watch Video of Abia Speakers Assertion 👇🏽 

Lastly, Ikeagwu criticized the abandonment of local contractors and the reliance on external ones, which has stifled the state's once-thriving manufacturing sector.

He concluded, “If Otti had truly completed 108 roads, contractors would have been engaged, creating indirect jobs. But everything under Otti’s administration is just empty promises."

The NBS unemployment report, along with the Speaker’s statements, continues to fuel debate as Abia residents call for urgent measures to tackle the growing joblessness in the state.