Rivers State Government has flagged off the construction of the State Trade Union Congress (TUC) Secretariat in fulfilment of Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike’s promise to Rivers Senior Public Servants.
The flag off was performed on behalf of the Rivers State Government by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Kaigama on Friday in Port Harcourt.
Speaking at the event, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike stated that the administration is committed to the welfare of civil servants in the state.
He said that there is no need for the State Government and workers to fight over little issues, noting that through partnership more progress would be achieved.
The governor assured the workers that the State Government will always fulfill all promises made to them because of their contributions to the development of the state.
“We did for the NLC and we are doing it for the TUC. Once we make a promise, we will fulfill the promise “, he said.
The governor, however, told the workers that the State Government will not commit all state resources to the payment of salaries, adding that other sectors of the state’s development have to be serviced.
He reiterated his commitment that the Rivers State Government will pay any new minimum wage agreed between labour and the Federal Government.
Performing the foundation laying for the construction of the new secretariat, TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said Governor Wike is the first governor to build two secretariats for TUC and NLC.
He said: “This is a novel development. Within my tenure as TUC President, I have never witnessed a state governor building a state secretariat for each of the two labour centres”.
The TUC President said that the new secretariat will serve as centre for the generation of quality ideas to promote workers welfare.
Rivers State TUC Chairman, Comrade Austin Jonah described the commencement of the construction work as the happiest day of his life. He assured that Rivers workers will always support Governor Wike as a labour friendly leader.
Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley said the secretariat will be completed in four months.
He said that funds for the completion of the secretariat have been reserved. He noted that the three-storey secretariat has facilities such as banquet hall, offices, libraries, restaurant and parking space.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Solomon Eke assured the Rivers State Governor of the unflinching support of his people for the success of his administration.###
