Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, has affirmed the resolve of his administration to engage in regular interface with the Nigeria Labour Congress [NLC] for increased productivity
Governor Okowa who stated yesterday [2-7-15] in Asaba during a courtesy visit by the State Executive Council of the NLC called for a more robust partnership between labour and government so as to promote industrial harmony, stressing that his administration would carry the state work force along with a view to ensuring successful implementation of its policies and programmes.
The governor assured that he was determined to provide a lasting solution to the problem confronting the Contributory Pension Scheme as part of efforts aimed at giving retired workers a sense of belonging in his administration.
Responding to the plea by the labour leaders for the recall of workers affected by the recent suspension of recruitment into the state civil service, Senator Okowa said it was in the best interes of the state. He stressed that the economic situation of the state does not call for decisions based on sentiments. “How do explain a situation where workers’ salaries in the previous months were paid through bank overdraft, yet the state went ahead to engage new persons even when no vacancy exist in the service”.
The Governor assured however, that a committee has been constituted to look into the issue with a view to determine whether there are genuine cases to be treated on their individual merit. And assured that the findings of the committee would be considered.
Okowa also promised to look into the training and retraining of the state work force with a view to repositioning it for optimal performance, appealed for stronger commitment to duties in order to ensure the success of his administration.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NLC, Comrade David Ofoeyeno pledged the resolve of the labour force to partner with government in ensuring improved welfare and quality working condition for civil servants in the state.
While stating the commitment of workers in the state to ensure the success of the SMART agenda of the Okowa led administration, the labour leader expressed confidence in the ability of the Governor to translate the prosperity policy to concrete and visible wealth for all Deltans.
He appealed to the state government to look into issues confronting the workforce such as prompt payment of salaries, a credible pension scheme, as well as training and retraining among other demands.
