Niger Delta
Don’t Panic, Labour Tells Enugu Striking Workers
Leaders of organised labour in Enugu State have charged the striking workers not to panic because of the activities of some workers who secretly go to work and sign the attendance register in their various ministries in spite of the ongoing indefinite strike.
Addressing the workers at NLC secretariat, Enugu recently amid heavy security operatives, the Vice Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Comrade Christopher Ugwuoke, assured the aggrieved workers that the leadership of organized labour “is still fighting for their welfare” urging them to continue to give them the support needed to ensure that they achieved the desired result.
Comrade Ugwuoke noted that he was fully aware that some workers still sneak into their offices to sign the attendance register, imploring them not to be deterred, but continue with the indefinite industrial action in their over all interest.
The State Vice Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ndudi Chude , in his own speech urged the workers not to be afraid because some people are writing their names in the register saying that “anybody who writes name in the register at the ministries is wasting his time.”
Comrade Chude reasoned that the minimum wage issue had gone beyond Enugu State as it is now a zonal matter, alleging that the South East Governors had resolved not to pay the new national minimum wage.
He told the workers that since the governors had formed a forum, they, the workers should equally form their own forum to tell the governors that “it is no pay, no work as the governors have threatened that “it is no work, no pay”.
Comrade Chude said: “If it is no work, no pay threat that is forcing some workers to sign the register, you should not fear because the labour would protect your interest”, he assured.
“I am advising us that in unity we stand. Workers should not betray one another or their leadership”, he stressed.
However, a mild drama ensued when Comrade Chude finished addressing the workers as the controversial leader of the Workers Forum, Comrade Osmond Ugwu, mounted the podium to ask a question and the NLC Vice Chairman, Chude said the meeting was not for question and answer but only to brief the workers that their leadership is still on with the struggle. He said some of them had gone to court in Abuja in respect of Governor Chime’s suit against the organised labour over the ongoing indefinite strike in the state.
Comrade Ugwu also said that on no account should they accept the salary chart Governor Chime presented them, pointing out that to do so was to commit themselves to perpetual poverty.
He accused the NLC leadership in the state of toying with the workers welfare, alleging that the state chairman of the body presented a different salary scale before members of the Enugu State House of Assembly who wanted to intervene with a view to resolving the lingering industrial dispute.
Comrade Ugwu who sensed that his refusal to heed the directive of the NLC not to make the forum a question and answer session did not go down well with them quietly sneaked out of the premises.
The Head of Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba, has charged the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (NAOMEW) World Wide, to be committed to professionalism, patriotism and effective service delivery in the discharge of their duties and rendering of patriotic gestures.
Mrs Gbaraba gave the charge yesterday when the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter paid her a courtesy call in her office in Port Harcourt.
She expressed deep appreciation for the visit, and assured the Association of her commitment to being a worthy Ogoni Ambassador like late Mr Augustine Nwikinaka, former General Manager of the corporation, to promote the fortunes of the corporation, while counting on their unflinching encouragement, prayers and support to succeed.
“ I am very happy to receive the National Association of Ogoni Media House Workers (The Tide Chapter) today in my office. I am glad you people came to my office, for those that know me in a short while in the corporation, I am a serious-minded person. I heard that the time the corporation was functioning well was under the leadership of late Austin Nwikinaka. Any where I go to, I will rather come down and show working example and that is what the Ogoni person is known for. So I am always proud to associate myself with an Ogoni man, so your support means so much to me,” Mrs Gbaraba said.
She assured them of running an open-door policy in the management of the corporation, and urged stronger partnership between NAOMEW, other unions, interest groups, corporate organisations, institutions and the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation in professional service delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the NAOMEW, The Tide Chapter, the National Secretary of the association, Comrade Taneh Beemene welcomed her into The Tide family and also congratulated her on her very important appointment.
Taneh, who expressed confidence in her experience and abilities to deliver on her assignments, thanked her for the uncommon feats recorded in the corporation within her brief leadership. He said the corporation has been revived from its comatose status that predated her appointment.
“ Within your short time, you have given the corporation a remarkable facelift. We pray that God should give you the enablement to restore the dignity of the corporation. We have come to inform you that we are solidly behind you and will make our untiring contributions to make you succeed, “ he stated.
In his vote of thanks and closing remarks, the Chairman, National Union of Printing, Publishing and Paper Production Workers (NUPPPPROW), Comrade Keyirale Donatus Nwiueh thanked the Head of the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, Mrs Stella Dornubari Gbaraba for receiving the association in a warm manner, adding that she should count on the support of the association to succeed.
Kiadum Edookor
Niger Delta
OBALGA Sole Administrator Presents Brand New Fire Extinguishers To Council …Commiserates With Traders Over Rumuomasi Market Fire Incident …Commences Desilting Of Drainages
The Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has presented 150 brand new fire extinguishers to the council.
Dr Walter who spoke to newsmen at the council premises at Rumuodumanya said the gesture was part of measures by his administration to ensure safety of lives and council property from unforeseen fire incidents.
He urged the staff of the council to ensure the safety of the extinguishers, while promising to engage experts to teach them how to handle and operate the extinguishers.
Meanwhile, Sole Administrator of Obio Akpor Local Government Council, Dr Clifford Ndu Walter has commiserated with traders at the Rumuomasi Market over the unfortunate fire incident that gutted parts of the market.
Dr Walter who visited the market to assess the level of damage caused by the fire, described it as unfortunate
Addressing the crowd of distressed traders and community members, Dr. Walter acknowledged the historical significance of the market, which was originally built under the administration of the former Obio/Akpor Chairman and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief (Barr.) Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, CON.
He noted that preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical fault, though a full investigation is still underway.
“As a local government, we will constitute a thorough investigation team to determine the root cause of the fire,
“Most importantly, we thank God that no lives were lost. I want to assure our traders that the Local Government will not abandon you.
“We will also work with security operatives to safeguard salvaged goods and prevent further losses,” he said.
He encouraged traders to adopt stricter safety measures, especially concerning electrical appliances in markets prone to fire hazards.
“There are many ways fires can ignite, even without an open flame. Let us all be vigilant and prioritise safety,” he cautioned.
Dr. Walter also commended those who stepped in to assist during the emergency.
“We are grateful to all who helped salvage goods and support affected persons during the crisis. Your kindness embodies the spirit of Obio/Akpor. The forthcoming investigation will help us put preventive structures in place,” he said.
The Chairman of the market, Mr. Prince Adele, who accompanied Dr. Walter, during the inspection, identified K-Lane as the most severely affected area.
A statement by the information officer to the council, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said no incident of death was reported by the traders during the visit.
In another development, the Sole Administrator of Obio/Akpor local government council, Sir Clifford Ndu Walter, has commenced a comprehensive canal clearance campaign with a view to identifying and removal of all blockages including illegal structures hindering the free flow of waters in the area.
A statement from the council Press Secretary, Ominini Leslie Wokoma said during the inspection of key canals in the area, several unauthorised barricades and blockages were discovered and removed.
According to the statement, Dr Walter emphasised that illegal dumping, unapproved structures and poor drainage habits endanger communities and undermine government efforts, adding that his administration is committed to protecting lives and property of the citizens.
It said the Sole Administrator also declared his readiness to ensure that all canals and drainages are cleaned, maintained and functioning effectively.
He also warned against further dumping of waste in waterways, citing impending flooding.