Tina Amanda
Comrade Foster Ikechukwu Onyefuru of PENGANSAN, Port Harcourt Zone has emerged the new elected Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria Rivers State Chapter.
He emerged Chairman unopposed at the just concluded 8th Triennial State delegates conference, held at Nigeria Air force wives Association multi purpose Hall, Airforce base Port Harcourt.
According to our correspondent, Comrade Christopher Amadi clinched the Vice Chairmanship position with one hundred and eleven votes, defeating his opponent Comrade Beatrice who scored eight votes, while Comrade Elder Danagogo June emerged as Secretary unopposed.
Other officials elected unopposed into various positions are; Comrade Oje Elijah – Assistant Secretary, Comrade Gabriel Olu – PRO, Comrade Nyeche Ndoke – Treasurer, Comrade Simon Jacob – Financial Secretary and Comrade Razak Animasa – Auditor.
In an interview with our correspondent shortly after the election, the new elected Chairman, Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, said he will ensure things are done differently by wearing a learner mindset that will impact positively on all members.
He maintained that as a Labour center, the union would have the interest of workers and Nigerians at heart.
“We would put in our best to understand the needs of members both in the state and the country at large.
When there is suffering in the land, we all go to the same market, it’s not just senior or junior officers. We will continue to do the needful in terms of formulation of policies and initiatives that would help improve the lot of Nigerians”.
Comrade Onyefuru insisted that every one member of the Union will be carried along, irrespective of the differences incurred as a result of the election process.
“We would bring everybody together, we are already making progress because all the offices contested for where unopposed except one. Rivers State Council is one, we are not divided.
“Anywhere you go and you see people go on one direction, it’s evidence that the person leadings the house is dictator, but where you find people express opposing and divergence views and the views are recognized, aligned well enough to pursue cooperate goal, it means that house is democratic.
“We welcome divergence and critical views, because that will only make us better, please let’s remain one. We would reach out to you to seek for your views or suggestions you think will help this Council move forward, we are going to run an inclusive government that will involve all of us not just the EXCOs”.
He further commended Governor Nyesom Wike for creating a level playing ground for them to thrive, noting that the new state executive will maintain a good relationship with the government.
“We will collaborate with the government. If you observed, His Excellency Governor Nyesom Wike has done very well in terms of providing infrastructure, attracting investors to Rivers State because at a point investors were leaving the state.
“Today, we are happy that His Excellency is creating new job opportunities where our members will work by creating an environment where investors come in”.
The TUC state Chairman, however, pledged his loyalty to the National executive ably led by Comrade Festus Osifo, adding they are ready to work in partnership with the President.
“We will align with the vision of TUC President in order to continue to protect the interest of workers to the extent of ensuring jobs of members are protected, welfare of members is improved upon”
