Asaba- Delta workers on Friday marked the “Workers Day” amid tight security as police officers were visible in Asaba to ensure a peaceful celebration, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN also reports that the situation might not be unconnected with the division in the executive of the State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) which is not much different from the situation at the national level.
NAN reports that the former NLC State Chairman, Mr Williams Akporeha, who was also returned unopposed at a delegates’ conference in Warri, Delta, boycotted the Asaba celebration.
Reacting in an interview, Mr David Ofoeyeno, the State NLC Chairman on Friday in Asaba, said that there was no division in the state NLC.
He however said the situation was caused by a few affiliate unions in line with the fallout at the national NLC election in Abuja.
He said that the issues in the state could not be addressed by the governor but at the national level of NLC.
“So, as far as we are concerned, there is no crack in NLC, NLC is one.
“It’s rather the spill-over of what happened in Abuja where about four unions left NLC.
“So, whatever differences they have in Delta will be resolved in Abuja.
“The governor is not meeting with us to resolve any issue on this matter in the state because it is a national issue.”
However, Ofoeyeno, in his address thanked members for electing him to serve and promised to sustain the unity and love that had been the hallmark of the union in the state.
He noted that the 2015 theme: “The Working Class, Democratic Consolidation and Economic Revival, Charting a Way to National Rebirth” was apt at this period of transition.
He urged Nigerians to continue to live and work together in one indivisible nation.
He thanked Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan for the peace and tranquillity that existed in the state and also congratulated the governor-elect, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa and others who won during the recent elections.
Ofoeyeno, however, called on the government to address all issues concerning workers in the state in order to promote and sustain the cordial relationship with the union.
He specifically appealed to government to address issues of the retirees and the prompt payment of their pensions and the payment of local government workers’ salaries.
Represented by Mr Mike Okeme, the Special Adviser on Labour and Industrial Relations, Uduaghan thanked NLC and the Trade Union Congress for their support during his tenure.
He promised to deliver to civil servants a housing estate made up of 150 units of three, two and one-bedroom apartment along Ibusa Road, Asaba, before May 29 handover date.
He said that his administration had recruited no fewer than 10,000 people into the state work force and pledged to increase the number before leaving office.
The governor said that arrangement were on to ensure that the local government workers salaries were also paid before the end of his administration.
He called on workers to remain focused and committed to ensure a peaceful transition of power on May 29. (NAN)
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