NCSU Set To Maintain Leadership Position … As Union Celebrates Centenary

The Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU), Comrade O. T. Lilly-West, says as the mother of all unions in the country, NCSU ought to take its top position by towering above other unions.

Lilly-West who made the remarks in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt said the union had fared well in the past 100 years of its existence, saying, “it is so far, so good.”

He, however, noted that bad leadership had apparently pulled back the gains recorded by the union over the years, urging members of the union to remain focused and dedicated to service.

The labour leader said a situation where the national headquarters of the union supported a national officer who allegedly plunged the union in Rivers State into chaos and crisis did not portray the image of NCSU in good light.

“The union has achieved a lot but bad leadership has been the bane of the union in the past 100 years. How do you expect the union to do well when such a person is at the national secretariat, displaying greed and crass irresponsibility?” he queried.

He, however, expressed delight that the National President of the union, Comrade Mohammed Kiri has today seen the truth and was determined to take steps to correct the anomalies in the Rivers State council of the union, saying, “the state council under my leadership is solidly behind him to achieve this.”

Lilly-West, also Rivers State Vice Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, said the union would celebrate the May Day and the 100 years of the union in a grand style because, according to him, “this kind of celebration comes once in a life time.”

“I am happy to be at the helm of affairs of the union in the state. At 100 years, you must be better than perfection, because, you must have seen all manner of things and learnt from them,” he said.

To this end, he said NCSU would take the lead during the May Day celebration, and enjoined members to turn out enmasse and make the union proud.

He also used the opportunity to thank members of the union, labour leaders, NLC top shots, friends and associates who supported him during the recent burial of his mother in Buguma, saying, “it was a source of encouragement to me, they made me proud.”

Donatus Ebi