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Wike Blasts Labour’s Indifference To Fuel Hike, Insecurity
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has lampooned the labour movement in Nigeria for their indifference to the incessant increment in the pump price of petroleum products, electricity tariffs and the escalating insecurity in the country.
He said labour movement in the country was dead because it has lost its force of engagement with government, adding that the present leadership of organised labour can hardly achieve anything good for the generality of the workforce and Nigerians.
Wike made the assertion at the inauguration of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretariat Building, performed by the National President of TUC, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, last Friday in Ozuoba Town, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Rivers State governor observed that the leadership of labour has left substance to pursue shadows, and can hardly speak in a manner that can change or achieve reversal of the many anti-people policies being implemented by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.
Wike stated that under former President Goodluck Jonathan, the leadership of labour mobilised Nigerian workers against some of his policies because he was from a minority ethnic group, but has lost its voice under a president from a majority tribe.
“It is unfortunate that labour has abandoned their role in this country. You are chasing things that are personal to you. All over the world, when government is not going the right way, it is labour that comes out to say we cannot allow it. Majority of our people are civil servants and have others to cater for. But since the inception of this government, labour has died.
“Under former President Goodluck Jonathan, labour was alive. They said the country must come down because he is from a minority area. But look at what is happening. There’s increase in fuel pump price, insecurity, and incessant increase of electricity tariffs. Where is labour? Where is TUC? Where is NLC? The only thing I hear is minimum wage”.
He further said, “Let the world hear it, labour has died. Nigerians cannot get anything substantive from you. Labour is like an opposition party. Labour does not work for any ruling government, no. But now, you people are working for the ruling government. Under Jonathan, you mobilised workers to occupy Nigeria. And that is why we say there is so much injustice in this country. Because I come from a place, a minority area, you can treat me anyhow, but when you come from the other side, nobody can touch you. That is not how this country should move forward. Be firm and take decisions and know that what is wrong is wrong. Let Nigerians have confidence in you.”
Speaking on the TUC Building, Wike said his administration has provided the secretariat to strengthen the independence of organised labour so that it can perform its duties effectively.
“Mr President, what we have done here is our own little contribution to make your people independent, and work for the interest of the country, not for the interest of only minimum wage. This minimum wage will come when it will come. No governor is anti-workers. I have brothers and sisters who are civil servants, so, how will I be against them. But we must do things in ways that things are supposed to be done.”
He urged labour to always engage his administration concerning the larger issues that border on workers’ productivity and welfare beyond the demands for check-off dues.
The governor, while reacting to labour’s opposition against National Assembly plan to remove the issue of minimum wage from the Exclusive List to Concurrent List, insisted that workers must realise that the financial capacity of the federating states differ.
“Let us face reality, if we are to operate true federalism, you cannot say that the man who is in Sokoto should earn the same thing with the man who is in Lagos, it is not possible. The house rent in Lagos is more expensive than house rent in Sokoto. You cannot say that the man in Lagos should earn the same thing with the man who is in Rivers. So, people should be very realistic.
“In America, somebody who works in California cannot earn the same with the person working in Chicago. No. You people say Federal Government should fix salary. How can Federal Government fix salary for me? The President did not employ you. I employed you. I sit down with you, we negotiate, and then, you say Federal Government should fix what everybody will earn”.
The governor also agreed to support the Rivers State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress with a take take-off grant of N50million and a vehicle.
Inaugurating the TUC Secretariat, the National President of TUC, Comrade Quadri Olaleye, applauded Wike for completing the project and not abandoning it after the groundbreaking ceremony.
According to Olaleye, the governor’s achievements have made him controversial.
He explained that he was one of those who also castigated Wike for his contributions to the Judiciary but acknowledged that he understands it better now.
Providing a description of the secretariat, the Special Adviser to Governor Wike on Special Projects, Dax George-Kelly, said the two-storey building started two years ago.
“Today, the dream is real. This project is seating on 1,450-square meter of land. The secretariat has 16 offices; it has a 500-capacity auditorium, inclusive of the gallery.
“It has a conference room. It has 14 toilets cut across all the floors. There’s 100KVA generating set, 200KVA transformer already hooked up to the national grid. All offices, conference rooms and auditorium are fully and tastefully furnished”, he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.