June 24, (THEWILL) – Palliatives designed to cushion the adverse impact of spiralling transport costs, inspired by the removal of petrol subsidy in the country are being contemplated by the Rivers State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed his government’s intention on Tuesday, when he received the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara revealed that the State Ministry of Transport would soon introduce mass transit buses, which would convey ordinary Rivers people to their destinations at cheaper rates.
He expressed optimism that the effect of the fuel subsidy removal would be short-lived and urged workers and all Rivers people to exercise patience.
“Rivers State is one of the states that have implemented the new salary structure”, Governor Fubara remarked.
“The state is in full practice of the new salary scale, the issue of pension and gratuity are ongoing, the records are there, the issue of employment is also ongoing, we are fulfilling our part of the bargain to take care of the workers”, he explained.
Fubara stated that the State-owned Secretariat Complex is currently being renovated.
According to him, efforts are on to confront water supply problems at the facility and provide adequate security, power supply and other essential services, in order to enhance the productivity of workers.
Promising that the government would work in synergy with labour, Fubara assured that he will create a conducive working environment for the participation of the public and private sectors in the development of the state economy.
He hinted that the confrontational approach adopted by the previous leadership of NLC in Rivers State stalled the smooth resolution of key matters regarding the welfare of workers, such as their promotion, payment of pensions and gratuities.
The governor appealed to the leadership of the Labour movement to engage the government constructively in matters of policy and urged them to embrace peace and dialogue in the interest of the State.
“It’s very important for labour to have a good relationship with any administration”, Governor Fubara insisted, “Labour can’t work in isolation; it’s important for the present leadership of NLC in Rivers State to work with our government”.
Fubara assured labour that the government would look closely at its request for the rehabilitation of the Union’s office.
Earlier in his address, the Chairperson of NLC in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, who led the delegation on the solidarity visit, said it was to congratulate the governor and pledge their unflinching support to his administration.
The NLC chairman said that the organised labour in Rivers State is proud of the emergence of Fubara, a technocrat and career Civil Servant, as the Governor of Rivers State.
Agwanwor urged the State Governor to create an avenue for labour and government to always discuss issues of common interest that would enhance industrial harmony in the state.
He said, “The Rivers State Governor is conversant with challenges of the public service, we want to appeal that a regular interface be sustained between government and labour to foster industrial harmony and development in Rivers State.”
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