Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, Imo State House of Assembly Speaker
In a bid to boost morale, foster family cohesion, stability and provide additional care for the newborn, the Imo State House Of Assembly has urged His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Executive Governor of Imo State, to approve the introduction of 14 days paternity leave for male officers in the State Public/Civil Service when their wives put to bed.
The Motion was moved during the Assembly’s February Plenary by Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu. The Deputy Speaker, explained that the Motion was borne out of necessity saying that newly born babies rely strongly and heavily on bonds with parents who influence their emotional, social, environmental bonding, growth and development.
He is of the view that a father and his wife play exceptional roles in the child’s emotional, social, environmental and cognitive growth and development hence the fathers at home with their nursing wives lend needed supports to their wives.
The honourable gentle man who represents Nwangele State Constituency is also the House Committee Chairman on Youths and Sports, Rules, Business and Public Petitions. According to him, Imo State is a progressive State with a progressive Governor, who is willing to better the lot of Public/Civil Servants. Therefore, if this Motion is given the required nod, it will help to resolve a lot of marital issues.
As most Members of the Imo state Assembly bought the proposal, it was agreed to present it to His Excellency, the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma for his approval.
It should be recalled that November 25, 2022, the federal government approved Paternity Leave for the husbands of nursing mothers in the federal civil service. Some States like Lagos, Ondo, Oyo and others have implemented the provision.
The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Chike Olemgbe, who presided over the plenary, put the motion to vote yet the motion won. Thereafter, he ruled as follows: Be it resolved by this honourable House to urge the Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to approve the introduction of 14 Working Days Paternity Leave Policy In Imo State Public/Civil Service and subsequently, direct the Head of Service of the State to issue a circular to that effect.
