– Threatens investors & socio-economic stability
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Organised labour in Rivers State has lamented that the ongoing political crisis in the state was affecting socio-economic stability and also threatening prospective investors, economic growth and development of the State.
To this end, organised labour in Rivers State – the Trade Union Congress, TUC and the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC – have thrown their weight behind Governor Siminalayi Fubara, supporting him to deliver the dividends of democracy for the prosperity of Nigerian workers and people of the State.
These were part of the resolutions reached by the Organised Labour at the end of its joint congress meeting, which examined the potential threats from political instability in the State and the plethora of economic hardships experienced by Rivers State Workers, at the weekend in Port Harcourt.
A communique jointly signed by the TUC Chairman in Rivers State, Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru and NLC Chairman in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwangwor, demanded the implementation of the N35,000 minimum wage as agreed at the national level for Rivers State public workers and pensioners.
Onyefuru and Agwangwor also demanded increased allocation for the payment of gratuities for a wider coverage of retirees and pensioners, the implementation of N30,000 minimum wage to local government workers; and the constitution of boards of all State-owned parastatals and agencies for effective implementation of government policies and programmes.
According to the Congress, these issues which were already before the Rivers State Government for resolution remain a source of concern to public workers in the state and these issues were from the previous administration.
The resolution reads, “The Congress urges the political gladiators with all sense of responsibility to consider the yearnings and aspirations of Rivers People and shelve their political schemes to allow for stability in the polity and good governance to thrive for the overall benefits of not only the Rivers State workers but also for the generality of good people of Rivers State.
“The political maneuvering and scheming by the various political actors resulting to palpable tensions which have not only affected good governance but equally affected socio-economic stability and also a threat to prospective investors, economic growth and development of the State in general.
“Quick resolution of lingering issues in the Rivers State House of Assembly to enable our members Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN, to carry out their legitimate duties.
“The Congress unanimously pledge to accord all the necessary support to the legitimate government of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara the Executive Governor of Rivers State to deliver the dividends of democracy for the prosperity of our members and good people of Rivers State.
“Rivers State project is a collective responsibility and as such the workers will not afford to be complacent. Congress-in-session hereby calls on the Inspector General of Police and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to be vigilant and professional in carrying out their duties in Rivers State without bias.
“Conclusively, the Congress-in-session equally will not hesitate to explore all necessary measures to protect, promote and defend the interest of Rivers State workers and the people, if the political actors fail to guarantee the political stability of the State,” organised labour in Rivers State said.
