During the 2024 May Day celebration at the Yakubu Gowon Township Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, reiterated his administration’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of Rivers people despite challenges. He pledged N100 million to support the organised labour in commemorating Workers’ Day.
Asserting the resilience of his government, Governor Fubara emphasized that no form of intimidation, provocation, harassment, or sabotage would deter their focus on serving the interests of Rivers people. He underscored the importance of the people’s power in shaping governance and assured continued service delivery.
Addressing the concerns of labour, Governor Fubara affirmed his commitment to implementing the recently approved increase in workers’ salaries by the Federal Government once the necessary parameters were provided. He acknowledged the urgent need to stimulate economic growth and enhance living standards, emphasizing the role of workers in advancing government policies and socio-economic progress.
In response, the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, commended Governor Fubara for his labour-friendly approach and pledged the union’s unwavering support. He highlighted the theme of this year’s Workers’ Day, ‘People’s First’, stressing the pivotal role of workers in societal development.
Echoing Agwanwor’s sentiments, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) chairman, Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, expressed gratitude for the governor’s concern for workers’ welfare. He urged the governor to compel international oil companies (IOCs) benefiting from the state’s resources to relocate their headquarters to Rivers State. Additionally, Onyefuru called for investments in intra-rail services to boost economic development in rural areas.