By Simeon Nwakaudu
All across the country, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is known as Mr Projects. He is popular for his commitment to expanding the frontiers of infrastructural development of Rivers State. But there is an aspect of Governor Wike’s performance that is not as pronounced. His commitment to workers’ welfare.
Many have forgotten that Governor Wike took over the reins of leadership at a time the morale of Rivers workers was at its lowest level. The immediate past APC Administration owed the workers three months salary arrears. Even Pensioners were owed four months arrears.
Governor Wike cleared the arrears and has since placed workers welfare on his top priority list. He has always opened a line for dialogue and settlement of disputes that arise in the course of government-workers relationship.
The Rivers State Government has built and completed the Ultra-modern Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Former NLC Secretariat was gutted by fire in 2015. Since then, the Rivers NLC operated from makeshift facilities.
On 29th June, 2018, Governor Wike invited the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba to lay the Foundation of a new Secretariat. That Secretariat is now being used by Rivers workers. The State Government is also constructing another Secretariat for the Trade Union Congress (TUC). That Secretariat is almost ready for Commissioning.
During the commencement of construction, Governor Wike said that the State Government embarked on the construction of the two secretariats in appreciation of the cordial working relationship with Rivers workers.
“We have worked harmoniously with labour. They have not troubled this administration with unnecessary strikes . In order to build stability, we have set up a structure that will enhance the performance of labour.
“This project must be completed by December. I don’t want to hear excuses. The contractor has been mobilised. We will also build a secretariat for the Trade Union Congress “.
Performing the flag off, NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba lauded the Rivers State Governor for taking steps to improve the working condition of workers.
“This will go down in history as a landmark as you are one of the governors who has worked with Labour for a better society “.
He said that the partnership between labour and the Rivers State Government will lead to faster development in Rivers State.
“Once workers are happy, they will put in their best and the state will benefit in terms of development “.
The NLC President added that the congress was overwhelmed by the gesture of the Rivers State Government, which will advance the productive relationship between Labour and the Government.
“Workers and employers are supposed to be partners in progress. It is when we partner together that we will be able to deliver on our various mandates. This is commendable and I urge that it should continue “, the NLC President said.
Rivers State NLC Chairman, Comrade Beatrice Itubor said by constructing the Rivers State Secretariat of the congress, Governor Wike has shown goodwill, which will be reciprocated by the workers.
The NLC Secretariat built by the Wike Administration is a three-storey building with conference halls, offices, stores and multiple staircases.
The Secretariat was commissioned as part of the first 100days of the second term of Governor Wike. It emphasised the commitment of the Rivers State Governor to the welfare of workers.
Speaking at the Commissioning of the NLC Secretariat, Governor Wike said that his administration will continue to partner with labour for the development of Rivers State.
He said that the State Government resolved to create enabling environment for labour leaders to work towards improving labour/government relations.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike called on the leadership of labour in the state to always
