By Tina Amanda
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured workers in the state of implementing the recently approved salary increase by the Federal Government as soon as the necessary parameters are provided.
Governor Fubara made this pledge at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, during the commemoration of the 2024 International Workers Day under the theme: ‘People First’.
Expressing concern over the nation’s economic challenges and rising inflation affecting workers’ purchasing power, Governor Fubara affirmed the government’s commitment to providing necessary palliatives and sustaining free bus services to alleviate hardships.
“Let me assure you that we are going to work with the Federal Government to implement necessary measures, including the continuation of the free bus services and the provision of necessary palliatives to ameliorate the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
“We are also committed to implementing the increase in workers’ salaries recently approved by the Federal Government as soon as the parameters are made available.
“We are a listening Government, and we have heard the common concerns and demands of labor on the urgency of stimulating economic growth and improving the living conditions of our people.”
Acknowledging the vital role of workers in economic growth, Governor Fubara emphasized the administration’s dedication to improving workers’ welfare and infrastructure.
“Rivers State cannot afford to be at each other’s throats and neglect our common responsibilities to advance the peace, security, and progress of our State.
“Less we forget that the social contract binds not only the Government; it applies to the workers as much as patriots.”
Highlighting past achievements such as revitalizing the State Secretariat Complex and approving promotions for long-stagnated staff, Governor Fubara reiterated his commitment to prioritizing workers’ interests.
“Rivers State is what it is, economically strong, resilient, and vibrant because of our workers. Our local governments and communities are what they are because workers are doing their jobs.
“Our nation is the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa only because of the commitment, efforts, and achievements of our workers.
“What this means is that there can be no nation-building or progress in society without the input, effort, and sacrifice of the workforce.”
Additionally, he announced initiatives such as healthcare reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and support for the educational sector, aiming to enhance the overall well-being of citizens.
“As a Government, we recognize the roles, importance, and relevance of our workers to the implementation of our policy agenda for economic growth, provision of infrastructure, social progress, and advancing the welfare and well-being of citizens.
“This is the reason we are here, not only to celebrate with you but also to reiterate, and reinforce, as partners in progress.
“We may have reasonable causes to disagree, which is normal in every social relationship. But we cannot afford to be at each other’s throats and neglect our common responsibilities to advance the peace, security, and progress of our State.
“Less we forget that the social contract binds not only the Government; it applies to the workers as much as patriots.”
Governor Fubara recalled his promise made in his inaugural speech, where he proudly reiterated the fact that labor that is his primary constituency will remain so despite the fact that he has become a Governor
“I stand by this statement even now and for as long as I remain in office as the Governor of Rivers State. I will not disappoint you. I will continue to govern with the fear of God and carry everyone, including labor, along.
” We promised not to neglect the interest and well-being of our workers within the limits of available resources, and we have not faltered on this promise.
“On the 1st of June, 2023, barely three days after the assumption of office, I visited the State Secretariat Complex to see its dilapidated state and take immediate measures to improve the poor working environment of our workers.
“Since then, we have reactivated and restored some facilities and services in the Secretariat Complex, including the water system, elevators, leaking roofs, and improved electricity supply.
“In addition, we have also commissioned a reputable international company to scope the entire complex and advise on the cost of a comprehensive rehabilitation of the Secretariat Complex, which we intend to carry out in phases as available finances will allow.”
The Governor said he implemented the promotion of staff stagnated over a decade with financial benefits, and approved the recruitment of 1,000 doctors and other medical personnel to strengthen the State’s healthcare delivery system.
According to him, the State’s Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme has commenced, urging all workers to take advantage of the benefits of the scheme, adding that the Government was clearing the backlog of gratuities to retired civil servants while ensuring the prompt enrolment and payment of pensions.
“I can assure you that the days of delayed payments of retirement benefits to civil servants are over under our watch.
“We appointed 16 Permanent Secretaries based on merit and equitable spread to local government areas that were hitherto not represented at that level to strengthen the civil service for effective implementation of government policies and optimal delivery of services to our people.
“A few weeks ago, we directed and ensured the implementation of the minimum wage and promotion of our workers in the local government service.
“We have approved and released a grant of N250 million only for the completion of the secretariat building of the Nigerian Union of Teachers,” he added.
He assured the workers that no amount of intimidation, harassment, and sabotage will make his Government change focus, stressing that his policy thrusts will continue to be driven by the interest and needs of the people.
The Governor also announced the donation of N100 million to assuage the sacrifices of the workers who turned up at the stadium for the celebration of the 2024 May Day.
The Governor’s speech was met with applause from labor leaders, who praised his leadership and presented him with the Labour Champion of Rivers State award.
In his speech, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwor, said the theme of 2024 International Labour Day, ‘People First’, reflects the leadership direction of Governor Fubara, who has continued to prioritize the welfare of workers in the State.
Comrade Agwanwor stated that the Governor implemented promotion for state and local government workers with consequential financial benefits.
Also implemented, he said, were payment of N30,000.00 minimum wage to LG workers, N100,000.00 Christmas bonus across the board to all workers, constitution of governing councils, boards and commissions of government agencies, institutions for effective service delivery, restored functionality of basic utilities at the State Secretariat, and reopened Rivers State Transport Company (RTC).
All of these, he noted, have further motivated workers, and emboldened them to remain unfettered in their support to the success of the Governor Fubara-led Administration while increasing their productivity.
“For us as Rivers State workers, we make bold to state without fear, or favor that, the present Administration of Your Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, is aptly a reflection of the year 2024 theme of Workers Day celebration.
“We acknowledge consistently, the demonstration of Your Excellency’s confession of purpose and value-driven leadership and administration in thoughts, deeds, and actions, and as critical stakeholders in Rivers State project and beneficiaries of Your Excellency’s humane disposition, we offer to journey with you on the quest to positively impact on the lives of Rivers people.”
He commended the Governor for making efforts to revamp the abandoned Songhai Integrated Farms at Bunu Tai and listed other agricultural initiatives such as the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) and C-4 programs, Delta Rubber Company, among others, as areas the Government must focus on to enhance food sufficiency and security while taming hunger and raising job creation opportunities in the State.
The Rivers State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, expressed delight over the recent feat of Governor Fubara by increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N11billion to N27billion.
Comrade Onyefuru advised that with items like railways and building of refineries moved to the Concurrent List, the State Government should take advantage of this new legal framework, to further grow the State’s IGR and create more jobs for the youths.
Comrade Onyefuru said Nigerian workers condemned and rejected the recent increase in electricity tariffs, describing it as draconian and anti-people.
The TUC chairman also requested that the salary of primary healthcare workers be moved to the Primary Healthcare Management Board, where he said, they feel better protected.
At the event, the State Civil Service offered the Governor gift of a Bible and portrait while the organized labor honored him with the Labour Champion of Rivers State award for being the most labor-friendly Governor.
