2019 elections: Akwa Ibom NLC endorse Governor Emmanuel for second term

– The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Akwa Ibom state council has declared total support for the reelection of the governor

– The NLC council in the state said they are impressed with the governor’s scorecard in the first tenure

The Akwa Ibom state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared total support for the reelection of Governor Udom Emmanuel, noting that they are impressed with the governor’s scorecard in his first tenure.

The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Etim Ukpong made the position of the workers union known during a consultation visit by the state governor at the Workers Solidarity Centre, Atan Offot, Uyo, the state capital.

He spoke of Governor Emmanuel’s lofty programmes, stressing that he has succeeded in making the state a destination of choice given his development strides and assured him of the workers support to his second term bid.

Governor Emmanuel speaking at the event during his visit to the labour leaders. Photo credit: AKSG

In the same vein, the chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, Comrade Akamba Awa commended the governor’s friendly disposition to the workers, stating that the Christmas bonus paid to the workers had boosted the workers welfare and expressed optimism that the state administration would implement the new minimum wage in the interest of the work force.

He saluted the governor’s humane disposition having given other political parties opportunity to carryout their electioneering campaigns without intimidation and assured him of victory in the forthcoming general elections.

On his part, Comrade Bassey Essien of the United Labour Congress, stated that Governor Emmanuel’s tenure has witnessed relative peace which has enabled industrialisation and other development projects of the state administration to thrive.

He said Governor Emmanuel deserves a second tenure to enable him concretize on his development strides and, on behalf of the workers, wished the governor a smooth ride as he campaigns for a second term.

Responding, Governor Emmanuel said that his commitment to providing quality leadership in the state is sacrosanct, even as he expressed appreciation to the leadership of the unions for the industrial harmony witnessed in the state under his government.

He assured of his administration’s preparedness to the implementation of the new minimum wage saying that the state is awaiting the the federal government’s approval.

His words: “Minimum wage has never been an issue. It’s just that it has to be under a legislation and when something is under a legislation it is not only for the state but the country. So we are waiting for the direction of the country and once they give us the direction we will know what to do.”

He described labour as key in the development index of a nation reasoned that it is only necessary that workers welfare cannot be toiled with.

He said that despite economic recession that hit the country which made many states and institutions unable to pay workers, his administration ensured that workers in the state were adequately taken care of in terms of remuneration.

The governor then commended the leadership of state council of the NLC for their maturity in handling issues, stressing that it has fostered harmony between the government and workers in the state .

He opined that he has achieved 100% in the implementation of his administration’s blueprint which according to him has translated to the berths of industries, good road network, improved power supply and breakthrough in the health sector.

Governor Emmanuel added that the intelligent building that would facilitate relocation of International Oil Companies (IOCS) to the state is on course.

The governor was accompanied on visit by the Speaker of the Akwa state House of Assembly, Hon Onofiok Luke, secretary to the state government; Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem and other senior government officials of his government.

Meanwhile, the people of Annang nation across the world, have pledged support and loyalty to the leadership of Governor Emmanuel, scoring him high on his industrialisation efforts in the state.

he Annang people who made their stance known under the aegis of Ati Annang Foundation during the 2019 Annual General Meeting held at the association’s secretariat at Ikot Ekpene on Saturday, January 5, also expressed admiration at the leadership mien of Governor Emmanuel.