Comrade Williams Akporeha, Chairman, ULC, Delta State.

The Delta State Council of the United Labour Congress ULC, has congratulated Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the creation of Delta state just as the Congress also urged the Governor to extend his avowed democratic beliefs to matters relating to labour movement in Delta state.

Comrade Williams Akporeha, Chairman, Delta State Council of ULC, made these remarks in Asaba recently while speaking with newsmen during activities organised by the state government to commemorate the anniversary of the state creation.

Comrade Akporeha noted that it is quite remarkable that the state has largely remained peaceful in spite of the spate of agitations for different interests across some states in the country.

According to him, “Congress wish to commend the effort of our Governor for ensuring the maintenance of law and order especially at the wake of the onslaught on our people by herdsmen and the incursion of agitating protesters from neighbouring states”.

The Labour Leader added that, “peace remains the fulcrum to the development of any society”.

Comrade Akporeha however noted with dismay the obvious lack of support by the state government for the United Labour Congress ULC.

He stated that Governor Okowa is a known grassroots democrat but has so far not demonstrated the flexibility of a true democrat in the activities of labour movement in the state.

“While Congress will always remain committed to partner with government to sustain industrial harmony in the state, it is our request to the governor to always take a holistic position in labour related matters for the interest of workers in general”.

“Congress wants the state government to understand that labour movement is not about individuals but about workers welfare and work place conditions. Workers in the affiliate unions of ULC are also wealth creators for the state. Therefore, it is incumbent on Governor Okowa to look beyond the lines and relate fairly with the existing labour centers in the state”.

While congratulating the government and people of Delta State on the anniversary of the state creation, Comrade Akporeha also used the opportunity to remind Governor Okowa to extend the life line provided by the Paris Club refund to clear backlog of workers’ salaries and pension arrears in the state.