Workers day: NLC, TUC pass vote of confidence on Gov. Mbah

From Chinelo Kodilichukwu Enugu

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, Enugu state chapter on Wednesday has passed a vote of confidence on the state governor, Peter Mbah, describing him as a friendly governor and a promise keeper.

The leadership of both NLC and TUC made this known during this year’s workers day celebration that took place at the Okpara Square on Wednesday.

According to them, “Gov. Mbah has done so well for them in terms of prompt payment of salaries and the implementation of the N25,000 and N10,000 monthly wage award to both the state and the council workers since December 2023.

The NLC chairman, Fabian Nwigbo who read the address said: “Your Excellency, the workers of Enugu State are happy for all you have done within this one year in office, especially the labour friendly dispositions which gave rise to the legion of benefits we have enjoyed and are still enjoying.

“We commend your prudence in managing the affairs of Enugu State and the zeal to better the lots of New Enugu.” He said.

Nwigbo however, urged the workers to reciprocate the kind gesture of the governor by being committed to their duty to ensure quality output and increased productivity.

“We encourage workers to ensure that they reciprocate the government kind gestures by being committed to duties and ensuring quality output,”

Nwigbo and TUC chairman, Beneth Asogwa, respectively called on Gov. Mbah to alleviate the suffering of retired workers by paying their pensions regularly as well as arrears of their gratuity.

They equally urged the Governor to review the termination of the appointment of some state of Enugu State College of Education Technical.

Jointly, they asked the governor to harmonise pensions and payment of gratuity to retirees at both the state and local government levels, adding that the governor should the “release of accumulated leave allowance to the state civil servants.”

Responding, Gov. Mbah who was represented by his deputy, Ifeanyi Ossai, promised to make workers welfare his priority, but urged them to be patient with the government because they are not oblivious of the economic hardship in the country.

Mbah promised to look into the parastatals with a view to making them viable to be self-sustaining as well as earn income for the state.