The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a threat to take action in light of the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, emphasizing the negative repercussions on the welfare of the state’s workers.
The NLC contends that the crisis is a calculated move to divert the attention of the sitting governor from delivering effective governance, and they urge all parties involved to cease hostilities.
State Chairman Comrade Alex Agwanwo, addressing the issue in Port Harcourt after a joint organized labor meeting on Friday, expressed deep concern about the escalating tension caused by the crisis.
He strongly condemned the situation, pointing out that the uprising is not only unnecessary but is also causing significant delays in addressing the welfare needs of workers.
Agwanwo stated, “We categorically condemn in totality the crisis in Rivers State and call for immediate peace between all the political actors involved so that we can have peace and prosperity in the state. Honestly, this crisis is not helping us. When two elephants fight, the grasses suffer. As workers, we are feeling the impact.”
The NLC chairman highlighted the specific challenges faced by workers, including the delay in implementing the federal government’s N35,000 wage award. He emphasized that the political distractions have hindered engagements with the state governor, impacting the timely resolution of worker-related issues.
“The state is tensed. Our members are beginning to complain about the uprising and how their welfare is now being delayed. The N35,000 wage award has been implemented by the federal government, but the state workers are yet to benefit. We have been engaging the state governor on how to implement this, but due to this crisis, the governor has not been able to have time with us. He has been very busy. For us, this distraction must stop.
“It is affecting governance, because the crisis has not given the governor time to concentrate on the issues of state. In this is festive period, we expected that workers would rejoice because, we hoped that we would been paid the 13th month which has not happened in this state for years.
“This is what we wanted to discuss with the governor, but with these distractions, we have not been able to meet with the governor who has proven that he is workers friendly.
“If this whole crisis continues and the political actors will not allow peace to reign in this state, workers will have no choice but to make an effort to protect the benefits of our members. We will take every step legally to make sure we advance the course of our members,” Agwanwo warned.
| Vanguard
