– Says Institutions Like NLC Must Be Encouraged To Function Effectively
Governor Rochas Okorocha has handed over an ultra-modern office Complex built and furnished by the State Government for the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, with the governor Stating that vital Institutions like the NLC must be encouraged to function effectively for the good of all.
Handing over the office Complex to the officials and members of the State branch of the NLC with the National Officers of the Union present, weekend, in Owerri, Governor Okorocha said “this is not in any way to entice you or prevent you from doing what is right, but to encourage you to do what is right in your Conscience”.
The governor Stated “My joy is that I want to create an atmosphere where Institutions will start to work. I have built Secretariats for NUJ, CAN, etc. If Institutions can only work, then, government can work because the Checks and balances of government are these Institutions”.
His words “My excitement today is that we have a new Imo State. I came here with a vision in mind and knew what I wanted to do from the onset. I have vision for this State and I have passion to serve the State. I have skipped protocols to see how I can change the face of the State as I work every day tirelessly to better the lives of Imo people. Today, I never believed that you will appreciate this edifice but I am surprised that this meant a lot to you. If labour has appreciated this much, probably I have not given the opportunity to the parents of the thousands of Children who go to School without paying School fees from Primary to the University in Imo State”.
He Continued “I didn’t even know that people appreciate the security situation in the State which has improved greatly. I’m sure if I call the Imo State judiciary, the judges and workers, they will applaud me for building a worthy edifice as the High Court. I’m sure the Nigeria police will applaud me for building the police headquarters and the prison headquarters. I’m sure lecturers will applaud me for building Six Universities, four Polytechnics and four Colleges of Education since I resumed as governor. I never knew that Imo people appreciate all these projects. There is nothing that gladdens the heart of any leader than to see those he governs appreciate him. It gives me strength and joy”.
For the maintenance of the Complex, the governor announced the donation of a brand new car as official car for the State Chairman, one million naira every month for the upkeep of the Secretariat and ten thousand naira each as Christmas bonus for all the workers in the State.
The National President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba represented by the National Deputy President, Comrade John Osia in his Speech, said that by building such a befitting edifice for the State branch of NLC, the governor had shown that he truly understands the workings of industrial relations since he was not the first or the Second governor that had governed the State.
He stated “From all we have heard from the State Chairman, the governor did not even sit down to discuss with them, but he had his own plan as a rescue missionary. I have come, I have seen. I will go back and spread the message of the Imo transformation. I have seen the massive development going on in the State right from the airport and I just pray that God will give the governor the grace to complete all these works”.
The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Austin Chilakpu averred, “The governor built the Secretariat from his bottom heart, without any form of compulsion. He did not only built the Secretariat, equipped it beyond comprehension but also installed a brand new 60 KVA generating set. Every office is furnished to the brim with one thousand capacity hall with seats and well air-conditioned. The environment is interlocked with steady water”.
He further remarked “We have neither gold nor silver to offer you. Over 13 industrial unions have been provided accommodation in the complex and the burden of office rent taken away from all of us. God will bless you. We will continue to partner with you and we equally want to thank Ugwumba Uche Nwosu for all his efforts to see that the Secretariat is completed and for the various sacrifices he had made for the Imo workers in his capacity as the Chairman of tripartite labour committee in the State. We shall equally honour him at the appropriate time”.
