Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other related institutions need to be encouraged to function well for the good of all.
The governor spoke at the weekend while handing over an office complex built and furnished by the government to NLC.
He said the gesture was not meant to compromise the union.
“This is not to entice you or prevent you from doing what is right, but to encourage you to do what is right in your conscience.
“My joy is that I want to create an atmosphere where institutions will work. I have built secretariats for NUJ, CAN, etc. If institutions can only work, then government can work because the checks and balances of government are these institutions.
“…I didn’t even know that people appreciate the security which has improved greatly. I’m sure if I call the judiciary, the judges and workers will applaud me for building a worthy edifice as the High Court. I’m sure the police will applaud me for building the police headquarters and the prison headquarters. I’m sure lecturers will applaud me for building six universities, four polytechnics and four colleges of Education.
The governor donated a car to the chairman, N1 million monthly for the upkeep of the secretariat and N10,000 each as Christmas bonus for civil servants.
NLC’s National President Ayuba Wabba, who was represented by National Deputy President John Osia, said “the governor had shown that he truly understands the workings of industrial relations since he was not the first or the second governor who had governed the state”.
State NLC Chairman Austin Chilakpu said: “The governor built the secretariat from the bottom of his heart, without any form of compulsion. He did not only build the secretariat and equipped it beyond comprehension, but also installed a 60 KVA generating set. Every office is furnished to the brim with a one-thousand capacity hall with seats and well air-conditioned. The environment is interlocked with steady water.
“We have neither gold nor silver to offer you. Over 13 industrial unions have been provided accommodation in the complex and the burden of office rent taken away from us. God will bless you. We will continue to partner with you.”
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