Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Anambra State Council, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, has pledged to ensure the building of a befitting Secretariat for workers in the State.
He said the project will be completed before the end of his tenure.
Nwafor stated this shortly after the inauguration of State Administrative Council Members yesterday, following conclusion of inclusive election held last March.
He regretted the accommodation challenge of the Union, which he said had constituted setbacks to the progress of the Union.
He said, “The foundation of NLC in Anambra is not solid because as we speak, NLC has no confirmed office. We’ve been squatting in rented apartment.
“One of the primary things my administration will focus on is to have a base because you can’t build an institution on noting. We must have a foundation which we’ll call our own.
“We’re going to approach the government to ensure we have a base we’ll call our own. We can now take it up from there. Our target is to have a Labour House before we leave office. That’s my major target.
On efforts made to resolve the crisis in the Union, NLC boss said he had since brokered peace among the aggrieved members
“People divided can’t be united and vice versa. During the March 7 general Congress, my position and those of two ex-officio were declared but the two vice chairmen, auditors and treasurer were declared inconclusive.
“The issue has lingered till it was finally decided that it is time to conclude it and all us were sworn in. We thank God that what seemed difficult, has been resolved today.
“I assure my members that I’ll broker peace and unite everyone because the labour union is known for unity and besides, our motor is injury to one is injury to all.
“Once you’re isolated, you can’t fight a course. It’s only when you’re united you can make your case and achieve much.”
Earlier, NLC National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, congratulated the new executive for their victory, calling them to commence work immediately.
Ajaero who was represented by Assistant General Secretary, NLC, Comrade Onyeka Chris, stressed that improvement of workers’ welfare as well as protection of their rights and privileges should be their priority.
He said, “Whenever people in a group have a disagreement, and eventually able to resolve it, that’s a kudos to understanding and means there’s a resolve to work together.
“When such agreement is reached, it means readiness to discharge their responsibilities and deliver benefits to the workers and make their organisations stronger and meet expectations.
“We’re excited today’s conference has been able to resolve all outstanding issues within the Union finally and peaceful.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. The workers have affirmed their positions and elected as substantive officers. The expectation is for them to start work.
“The welfare of the workers ought to be improved upon, their rights and privileges ought to be protected. We expect a stronger NLC in the State, a robust and vibrant engagement with the government, employers and the masses.”
Expressing confidence in the capacity of the officers, Onyeka said, “the NLC throws up people that have the capacity to deliver. You can see it’s a rigorous process.
“Mind you, most of the elected officers are chairmen of their various state councils in their respective industrial Unions who had demonstrated leadership and capacity. They’ve all been tested and trusted to deliver.
“The issue of state secretariat is something that has been done in other parts of the South-East and South-South. Working with other relevant stakeholders, I believe they can get a befitting Secretariat for themselves. I believe they have the capacity to network.”
