By Maureen Dick
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, as a matter of concern, restore democratic order in Rivers State.
State Chairman of Labour, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, made the appeal at their secretaruat in Port Harcourt on Thursday, in commemoration of May 1, Workers’ Day.
He emphasized that workers in the state enjoyed good relationship with their elected representatives and they should not be denied that privilege.
Agwanwor stated: “As we reflect on the happenings in Rivers State in the past one month, that is, the suspension of all democratically elected government and institution in Rivers State, let us continue to remain steadfast, be law-abiding and carry out our legitimate duty without fear or intimidation and avoid acts that could lead or trigger provocation.
“The organized labour fought for democracy, we are a product of democracy and we will continue to fight till democracy is well entrenched in our land.
“We appeal to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Asiwaju Tinubu, to use his good office, and intention to reinstate the democratically elected governor, deputy governor and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to their offices as soon as possible.
“As workers of Rivers State, we enjoy good working relationship with our elected representatives under a democratic system of government.”
The NLC further called on the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), to speedy peaceful reconciliation process among the parties involved in the political unrest that led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers.
He appealed: “We also urge the Sole Administrator to facilitate the peaceful reconciliation process that he has been saddled with to expedite the quick return of our elected representatives as it is in other states of the federation.”
Meanwhile, Labour thanked Federal Government for the approval and implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage, but condemned the imposition of several tax policies thereby making life difficult for the citizens.
Labour noted “increase in electricity tariff, hike in telecommunication tariff, high cost of goods and services occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy without a reasonable measure to alleviate the suffering the Nigerian Workers and masses.”
The labour body declared that it would not remain silent over the precarious conditions of its veterans and called on the state government to expedite action in the payment of pension and gratuity.
Agwanwor stated: “Therefore, as a matter of urgency, we are demanding the immediate payment of the backlog pension arrears owed the pensioners of Rivers State and the implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage approved for the federal pensioners to the Rivers State pensioners. Gratuity and death benefits of pensioners should be paid without further delay.”