Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, has disclosed that the state has received N12.6billion Paris Club refund.
The governor said that N5billion of the money has been set aside for the payment of pensions in the state.
The governor also said that although the state does not owe workers any outstanding salary, N9billion will be set aside for the payment of salaries, saying the state would now be paying salaries in advance.
The governor, who spoke on Saturday while swearing-in eight new commissioners, said the government will source for fund to add to what remains of the Paris Club fund after removing the pension money, to make-up the N9billion for the payment of salaries in advance.
Okorocha said that the October and November salaries would be paid at the same time and that N2billion has already been set aside for that purpose, while the state government would inject N20billion into the economy of the state.
He charged the new commissioners to live above board and work hard to contribute to the development and growth of the state.
Responding on behalf of the new commissioners, Mr. Sunny Chiadi assured that they would not disappoint the state and the governor.
The newly inaugurated commissioners are Mr. Sunny Chiadi (Market Development), Bonaventure Akwaiwu (Special Duties & Trade & Investment), Mrs. Esther Eburuche (Housing), Mr. Patrick Nze (Information), Lady Chinyere Uwandu (Environment), Mr. Kelechi Azike (Public Safety), Mrs. Edna Okorie (Gender Development), and Engr. Chika Ezeji (IGR & Pension Matters).
The governor also moved Lady Mrs. Ugochi Nnanna Okoro from the ministry of Agriculture to the Finance ministry.
