The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has raised concern over the worsening piles of refuse littering streets across Port Harcourt and its surrounding areas, blaming the situation on prolonged political tensions that have disrupted effective governance in Rivers State.
Speaking during a media interaction in Port Harcourt, the state TUC Chairman, Dr Udoka Josiah, said the lingering political crisis has distracted the government from its core responsibilities, with civil servants bearing the brunt of the consequences. He called on political leaders, elders, and civil society groups to intervene and help restore peace in the state.
Read also: Labour Union urges FG to revamp East-West road
According to Josiah, development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict, stressing that the current state of the capital city is disheartening. He pointed to major routes including Igwuruta, Eleme, Oil Mill and Garrison, where heaps of refuse and growing lawlessness have become common sights. He warned that the situation should not be allowed to continue, urging the government to refocus on governance and service delivery.
The TUC chairman emphasised that the union is not aligned with any political faction but is solely interested in ensuring that Rivers State works for its people. He advised Governor Siminalayi Fubara to prioritise governance and legacy projects, noting that leaders are remembered for their achievements, not political battles.
Despite the criticism, Josiah commended the governor for the ongoing renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, describing it as a positive step towards improving the working environment for civil servants.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Association of Community Health Practitioners also appealed to the governor to recruit at least 1,000 health workers, citing acute manpower shortages caused by retirements in public health facilities across the state.
