By Samuel Atuluku
The Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka says the positive changes in Kogi State is a product of good governance.
Comrade Edoka made the remark on Thursday at the Onuh Edoka labour house in Lokoja while declaring open, the election of Kogi State Chapter of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council.
He stated that the Governor has taken civil servants as his first constituency and has demonstrated same with implementation of several welfare packages.
He explained that the Governor’s position is based on his background as a labour man who is committed to the course of the masses, stressing that the present administration will do more when the needed support is given.
Comrade Edoka commended the re-elected Chairman of Joint Negotiating Council and the NLC Chairman on their efforts during the last negotiation for minimum wage, urging them to do more for the sake of prosperity.
The Special Adviser appealed to the Joint Negotiating Council to see itself as an engine room by ensuring the right campaigns on the government’s performances.
The Head of Service who was represented by the Director labour relations, Mrs Rachael Usman said he was appreciative on the efforts of the organized Labour, urging the joint negotiating Council to sustain the support to enable the government to do more.
In his re-election speech, the Chairman of Joint Service Negotiating Council, JPSNC, Comrade Olusegun Alemeru said the journey has been smooth, though not without challenges.
Comrade Alemeru described the Governor as workers friendly, stressing that early implementation of minimum wage and full payment of salaries to Local Government staff and other allowances are some of the success stories of the present administration.
He noted that the Special Adviser on Labour, Comrade Onuh Edoka has distinguished himself as a veteran in the labour cycle as seen through the smooth relationship between labour and government.
Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Gabriel Amari thanked the Special Adviser on Labour matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka for making the Labour elections rancour free, describing him as a true leader whose legacies will remain indelible.
Comrade Amari also appreciated past leaders for their efforts assuring that the seamless election will transpose better things for workers.
In a remark, the returning officer, Comrade Sikiru Waheed urged the new officers to ensure collective bargaining and greater commitment to duty, saying the power of unity cannot be over emphasized.
He called on governments to evolve proper synergy with the Labour unions as a means of promoting peace and development in the state.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the State controller of labour, as well as some Chairmen of industrial unions.
