TEJIRI EBIKEME/CHRISTOPHER ODAMAH
The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council Comrade Williams Akporeha today described Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan as labour friendly, urging him to continue to do more for workers.
Speaking at the occasion of May Day 2013 celebration held at St. Patrick`s College Field Asaba, the Delta State NLC boss said; “Your Excellency, among other things, there is something you must tell us today. That is, continue to say NO to those telling you that you have done too much for labour in this state and so should relax. We know it is not part of your calling, we also know it is not in your character. And on our part, we will continue to appreciate Your Excellency, as you are a rare gift to us from the Almighty God.”
Comrade Akporeha added that “Let me say that in the same spirit, the unity of the organized labour is firm, and our purpose is strong. Our determination to continue to partner with government is unshakable. Together, we will forge a productive workforce and improve the living standards of all our workers.”
He said “We are delighted by your administration’s path towards sustained growth and economic development to nurture a Delta State beyond oil through the technical and financial partnerships with global businesses and organizations like Shoprite and others to establish in the state. We welcome and support government’s drive for sustainable foreign investment in our state in order to grow a vibrant private sector which is vital in the provision of jobs and capacity building for our rapidly expanding population.”
“Your Excellency, Distinguished Guests, I am mindful that I represent the shared aspiration of all our workers to forge a more balanced working conditions for a virile workforce. We are also confident that our labour friendly governor who is truly committed to this noble idea will not deny us from realizing this vision. Therefore, Your Excellency, permit me to say that the march is on. The day for the transformation of the worker in Delta State begins today, he stated.
He called on the state government to make available more tricycles in these cities and urban areas to ameliorate the sufferings of workers and the general public in getting transportation to their respective places of work and businesses without stress, adding that “The Congress also wants to use this opportunity to request that government allocate some buses/tricycles to the state Labour Mass Transit Scheme for effective service delivery.”
While commending the state government for its initiative to revive the state glass factory at Ughelli through DESOPADEC, in the same vein we request the state government to take over Delta Steel Complex, Ovwian, Aladja and Asaba Texile Mills which are presently in a state of comatose, noted that “We strongly believe that government involvement and intervention in these companies will generate employment, provide capacity building for the youths and improve economic activities in the areas they are situated.”
He reinstated the preparedness of labour in working harmoniously with the state government towards the centenary anniversary of the country scheduled to hold later this year.
