The Organised Labour in Cross River State yesterday declared the state
governor, Professor Ben Ayade as the Most-Labour Friendly Governor in
Nigeria.
To this end, it has concluded arrangements to honour the governor with an
award in May.
Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade John Ushie
disclosed this when he led executive members of the NLC, the Trade Union
Congress (TUC) and the Public Service Negotiating Council in the state ON
a courtesy call on the governor at the State Executive Council Chambers in
Calabar.
According to Ushie, “The Organised Labour has resolved to single you out
in the whole Nigeria and West Africa as the Digital and Best-Labour
Friendly Governor. We have resolved that on May Day, we shall formally
honour you with an award. ”
He explained that Ayade was chosen for the award for a number of reasons
including prompt payment of workers salary and the courage to embark on
economy changing projects like the 260km superhighway, the Bakassi Deep
Seaport, the Calabar Garment and Textile Factory and the establishment of
Green Police.
His words: “Since your assumption of office, every 13th to 18th day of
each month, workers smile home with their salaries. We have gone through
the records and across all other states since our colleagues exist in all,
we have also found that you have surpassed your colleagues in Nigeria and
have gone far to surpass the Federal Government especially in the area of
payment of salaries. ”
The NLC chairman who reiterated the resolve of the Organised Labour in
Cross River
to work in harmony with the governor, prayed God to grant him the needed
wisdom to steer the ship of the state.
“We will not deceive you as we will speak out on anything we feel strongly
about. As you know, Labour leaders cannot be coerced, and nobody will
instigate us against your government. We also believe that nobody will
instigate you against us.”
Responding, Governor Ayade applauded the Organized Labour in the state for
the honour and promised to do more for workers in the state despite the
downturn in the nation’s economy.
“I thank you for all your kind words. For labour to find me worthy of an
award calls for celebration because you are a people who cannot be bribed.
You are not a people who can be sold, you very courageous people,” the
governor said.
Touched by the plights of retirees who have to wait for their benefits for
long after service to their fatherland, Ayade said “society will be so
unfair if this continues,” stressing that “the primary thing for a man who
fears God is to ensure that those who toil do not do so in vain.”
The governor assured that issues of pensions, promotions and gratuity will
be looked into.
He also lauded the Organized Labour in the state for their concern towards
good governance in the state.