Gov Wike And Workers’ Welfare

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 the governors’ 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 for four months. 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.
It is not that issues don’t arise. The truth is that the governor responds  to such issues in very practical manner and with a high level of sincerity that Rivers workers appreciate.
Today, 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 ready for the use of Rivers workers.  The State Government is also constructing another secretariat  for the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
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.
He said: “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 Wabba lauded the Rivers State Governor for taking steps to improve the working condition of workers.
He said: “This will go down in history as a landmark as you are one of the governors who have 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 the State.
He said: “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.
Aside the Secretariat, Governor Wike recently commissioned a Civil Servants Quarters  in the heart of Old GRA in Port Harcourt.  Last year, the Governor unveiled another Civil Servants Quarters at Lagos Street, Port Harcourt and Doctors Quarters at the GRA.
The commitment to workers welfare does not mean that there are no areas for further engagement. It simply means that Governor Wike is ever willing to address workers’ needs within available resources and with the required speed necessary at all times.
The harmony that exists cannot be underestimated.  Several states are owing salaries and pensions, running into years. While state economies are collapsing across the country, Rivers State is waxing stronger.
Much as the opposition is unwilling to recognise this fact, they appreciate  the truth that Governor Wike has enhanced  working conditions and stabilised the work environment.
The Rivers State NLC Secretariat has been commissioned by Governor Wike.  It will serve as a base for further partnership between the State Government and Rivers workers.
Nwakaudu is the Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor on Electronic Media.

Simeon Nwakaudu