Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has called on the organised labour to lend its voice to the demand for credible elections in 2019.
Governor Wike also urged the organised labour to join other prominent leaders to seek the re-organisation of the nation’s security infrastructure for the safety of all Nigerians.
He spoke on Friday 29th June, 2018, at the Government House Port Harcourt when he granted audience to the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba.
He said: “This country belongs to all of us. Labour can no longer keep quiet on critical national issues. Labour should lend her voice on the issue of the overhaul of the security architecture.
“Labour should come out strongly to ensure that the 2019 General Elections are transparent and credible. Credible polls will lead to greater service to the people by elected officials “.
The governor said that security agencies should not be seen to be stealing ballot boxes during elections, noting that such actions negatively affect the country’s image internationally.
He wondered why some leaders of the ruling party insist that performance should not be the yardstick for re-election.
“If projects cannot make people return to office, what should make people return to office? I know that 2019 will not be as easy as they think, because people are warming up to resist any form of political manipulation and rigging. Workers should show seriousness, so that votes must count”, he said.
Governor Wike assured the workers of Rivers State that his administration will continue to improve on their welfare.
Earlier, the National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba commended the Rivers State Governor for investing in the development of the state.
He said: “We have seen landmark achievements, especially in the area of projects. We also appreciate the commitment and support of the Rivers State Government “.
The NLC President commended the Rivers State Governor for the regular payment of salaries and pensions. He said the regular payment of salaries lubricates the state’s economy.
“I thank the governor for the continuous payment of salaries when others give excuses. Workers salaries have multiplier effect on the system”.
The NLC President urged the Rivers State Governor to use the State Chapter of the NLC to always interface with Rivers workers.
