The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has lauded the efforts of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in championing the cause of workers and the masses.
Speaking through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, at the unveiling of 10 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses donated by the NLC to its Rivers chapter, Governor Fubara commended NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero for his commitment and urged the congress to remain constructive in advocating for workers’ rights.
Governor Fubara assured the NLC that his administration prioritizes the welfare of Rivers State workers and emphasized the importance of meaningful dialogue with government bodies.
“Thank you for your support for the Nigerian masses in general. The challenges you encounter are because of the Nigerian masses. Be assured that the people and Government of Rivers State appreciate your efforts and will continue to encourage you to engage all levels of government meaningfully and constructively to ensure a paradigm shift for the good of the people,” he stated.
The Governor praised President Bola Tinubu for supporting workers by facilitating the provision of CNG buses to various states.
He reiterated his commitment to fostering a conducive environment for Rivers State workers, highlighting that his administration has provided free transportation for workers and issued official vehicles to senior civil servants, including Permanent Secretaries.
Governor Fubara further expressed gratitude to the NLC for choosing Rivers State as the launch location for the zonal distribution of CNG vehicles and recognized their advocacy to make these available to workers.
In response to questions from the NLC, he acknowledged the ongoing payment of hazard allowances to health workers and encouraged the Rivers chapter to bring unresolved issues regarding Demonstration School teachers to his attention.
“Our Governor believes that a worker is worthy of his wages, and I assure you, he will address genuine concerns of the NLC,” he promised.
In his address, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero thanked President Tinubu for the buses and called for sufficient CNG refueling infrastructure to ensure affordability.
He also praised Governor Fubara for approving an N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Rivers, urging him to address unpaid hazard allowances for health workers and salaries for teachers in Demonstration Schools.
“We have been told the Governor has milk of human kindness. NLC cannot sit and watch workers of Rivers State suffer. While we are not going to delve into legalities, the NLC is advising the Judiciary to exercise caution. It is only the Supreme Court that can review itself; no other court can overturn its position,” Ajaero noted, appealing to the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and National Judicial Council (NJC) for oversight.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, also thanked Governor Fubara and President Tinubu for their support.
He commended Rivers State’s reputation for hospitality and urged visiting delegates attending the NLC NEC meeting in Rivers to feel at home.