The Imo state House of Assembly on Thursday urged the state governor, Hope Uzodimma, to approve the introduction of paternity leave for male officers in the state civil service.
The House made the resolution following a motion moved by the Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele), and seconded by the Chief Whip, Mr Chigozie Nwaneri (OruEast).
Iwuanyanwu, while moving the motion, said the leave, if approved, would boost morale and foster family cohesion and stability while increasing productivity.
He stated that the Federal Government, through the Head of Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasede Yemi-Esan, on the 25th of November, 2022, issued a circular approving paternity leave in the public service of the federation.
He noted that the circular approved 14 working days for a serving male officer whose spouse delivers a baby, while observing that some states have issued similar circulars approving the same for male officers in their states.
The deputy speaker also noted that the leave would be observed once in two years and just for four children.
He therefore prayed the house to urge the governor to approve the introduction of 14 working days paternity leave in the state civil service and subsequently direct the Head of Service of the state to issue a circular to that effect.
He added that paternity leave was already popular abroad and would help tailor our consciousness to progressive patterns.
Supporting the motion, Chigozie Nwaneri said it was borne out of necessity, adding that it will ensure equity for federal and state civil servants.
Nwaneri added that it would encourage family bonding and support for the new mother while helping the father to give the needed attention to his family.
He added that paternity leaves will also help to avoid marital discord and encourage responsible fatherhood.
Contributing the Majority Leader, Mr Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West) added that couples who successfully have a baby should be given the opportunity to bond and ease some of the postpartum stress on the mothers.
Similarly, Mr Chisom Ojukwu (APC Nkwerre) Said the leave will provide mothers the opportunity to fully recover from the childbirth and ensure that they get the adequate support needed for a full recovery.
Mr Ernest Udeze (APC Ideato-North) said that the motion was beneficial adding that the approval of the leave would encourage fathers to be more involved in the care of their children from the first day without distraction from work. Following more contributions and a unanimous vote in favour of the motion, the Speaker, Mr Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma) directed the Clerk, Mrs Chinelo Emeghara to convey the resolution to the relevant quarters.