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2023: NLC Justifies Civil Servants’ Role In Politics
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has explained that civil servants must actively take part in the 2023 elections in order to elect a better individual to meet their needs and to get better treatment from the government of the day.
The Rivers State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Beatrice Itubo, at the Quadrennial Conference of Delegates of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Rivers State Wings in Port Harcourt, said workers were treated poorly because they are not politically active.
Itubo noted that if teachers begin to take part in active politics that they would be among the policymakers to decide their future, charging teachers to get registered and be part of the electoral process in 2023.
She said, “No increment of salary, no incentives at all to motivate you work. I know you are going through a lot, but I salute your resilience. We will not just go and sit down praying that God should help us, God does not work that way.
“We have to stand up and demand our rights. The government officials were invited to this programme, but because of the levity with which they treat workers, they refused to turn up.”
“I am calling on us let us be politically conscious. The law does not debar workers from being politicians. The law did not stop us from participating in active politics. We have to participate.
“You cannot be allowing other people to be shaving your hairs in your absence. I want to implore you, teachers, you are well enlightened, to join politics. Go and register. In 2023, we shall participate actively.
“We are major stakeholders in this entity called Rivers State. Those of you who want to contest go and register, so that we get leaders that will pay workers and pensioners.”
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of NUT, Comrade Nkpogone Lucky, while commending the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, for the prompt and regular payment of teachers, prayed to the governor for a better welfare package for teachers in the state.
Lucky, however, regretted that teachers have remained peaceful despite the lapses on the side of government as regards the welfare of teachers.
He said, “Our dear Governor Sir, I want to bring to your awareness that Nigeria Union of Teachers, Rivers State Wing, has been at peace with you for the past four years despite the numerous welfare packages that have not been attended to.
“The union has displayed dialogue disposition with the government and wishes that its attendant problems of; non-implementation of promotions, non-payment of February and March, 2016 salaries to effected teachers, non-release of promotion interview, non-conduct of promotion interview, non-payment of annual increment, non-payment of imprest, infrastructural decay in some schools, recruitment of teachers, etc. shall be considered as the nation cannot develop without the teacher. ‘No teacher, no nation’.
“Your Excellency Sir, may I appeal on behalf of Rivers State teachers that you should make them happy by considering their welfare packages enumerated in the address.”
Lucky also called on the governor to assist the union to complete the ongoing ultra-model NUT secretariat and as well release the sum of N15million promised to the union during 2016 World Teachers Day.
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The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has directed his lawyers to withdraw all ongoing defamation lawsuits against several individuals, saying he was moved by counsel during a New Year Mass.
Speaking at the Sacred Heart Parish in Uyo, yesterday, Akpabio said he had filed nearly nine lawsuits against individuals he accused of defaming him.
He said, “I had almost nine cases in court against some individuals who defamed me, who lied against me, who slandered my name.
“But I listened to the priest and suddenly realised he was talking to me, so I hereby direct my solicitor to withdraw all lawsuits against them.”
In 2025, Akpabio had filed several high-profile defamation lawsuits, including one against colleague Senator Natasha Akpoti?Uduaghan.
In late 2025, Akpabio filed a N200 billion defamation lawsuit against her over allegations of sexual harassment, which he denied and urged her to substantiate in court.
Earlier in the year, Akpabio’s wife also filed defamation suits against Akpoti?Uduaghan over claims she said had harmed her family’s reputation.
Relations between the two lawmakers soured after Akpoti?Uduaghan accused Akpabio of influencing her suspension from the Senate in March 2025, following her public allegations of misconduct.
The Senator had previously challenged actions taken against her in court, including a N100 billion defamation suit she filed against Akpabio and other defendants over alleged remarks that she said damaged her reputation.
With yesterday’s announcement, Akpabio has formally ended all pending legal disputes arising from defamation claims, signalling closure to the publicised litigations as the year begins.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that the best form of gratitude Rivers people owe President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for protecting the interest of the State is to galvanize massive support for the President in 2027.
Fubara disclosed this last Monday during the commissioning of Permanent Secretaries Quarters built by his administration at Elimgbu in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the State.
He said that the State has what it takes to deliver the President during the 2027 general elections.
“We’ve taken a decision,our decision is for the good of Rivers State, our decision is to say thank you for the protection we have from Mr President, our decision is to prove that we have what it takes to deliver Mr President.”
Fubara expressed delight over the completion of the project, stating that the initiative was to provide accommodation, a basic need of life for public servants in the state to improve their productivity.
He explained that lack of effective social welfare was at the root of some incriminating actions that undermine the purpose of governance, noting that the commissioning of the newly built Permanent Secretaries Quarters marks a significant milestone in civil service welfare and institutional development.
“Insecurity begins when individuals are uncertain of what the next hour holds. This situation is especially challenging for family men and women, affecting confidence and decision-making,” he observed.
Fubara emphasized the need for proper maintenance of the facility and urged the beneficiaries to protect the project like a personal property, while directing the State Head of Service to appoint a facility manager to ensure long-term maintenance.
In her remarks, the Special Guest of Honour and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who unveiled the project, expressed appreciation to the governor and Rivers State for inviting her to commission the project.
She commended Fubara for prioritizing the welfare of Permanent Secretaries who are senior public servants and accounting officers, noting that the project reflects purposeful and visionary leadership, and urged other states to borrow a cue from the Rivers State Governor.
Walson-Jack described the initiative as a strategic investment in staff welfare and institutional continuity which she noted is in line with Renewed Hope Initiative on provision of mass housing and social stability.
“The commissioning of these houses reflect a deliberate commitment to the dignity, welfare, and productivity of senior public servants responsible for policy coordination and service delivery,” she said.
In his goodwill message, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibode Bashiru, who led a high powered delegation on a visit to the governor, congratulated Rivers people for aligning with the Pan Nigerian political party, assuring that the interest of Rivers State will be duly protected in the APC.
He described President Bola Tinubu as a detribalised Nigerian who anchors his leadership on equity, fairness and justice, adding that the APC will provide a level playing ground for all.
The APC chief scribe also commended Fubara for providing good accommodation for public servants, stating that it will address issues of sabotage, compromise and disloyalty on the part of public servants.
Giving the project description, Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the estate comprises 29 units, including nine standalone duplexes and 20 terrace buildings.
Facilities feature a water treatment plant, synchronized power generators, CCTV and alarm systems, a gym, recreational areas, and green spaces—designed to enhance comfort, performance, and productivity.
Earlier, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr Mrs Inyingi Brown, had thanked the governor for his visionary initiative and unwavering commitment to the welfare of Rivers State Civil Servants, and restated the commitment of the State civil servants to the success of Fubara’s administration.
By: Taneh Beemene
