Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State came into office vowing to be a robustly pro-worker governor, and with the end of his eight years tenure approaching, the Delta State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Bolum Nwachukwu is understandably eager to convince Deltans he has delivered to workers.
Notwithstanding his efforts to deliver economic gains, multiple infrastructural development, human capital development et cetera, Delta State workers are happy that their glasses are filled up very nicely with Okowa as Governor, thanks to his strong economic growth, rapidly rising wages, jobs created since he took office — more workers friendly than in any other Governor since the State creation despite economic crisis running at its highest level in one decade.
Comrade Nwachukwu made a strong case that Governor Okowa has delivered to blue-collar Delta; he can point to not just the job growth and low unemployment rate but also the commitment his administration in prompt payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities which have kept the State workers and their families afloat since the last 8 years.
“Make no mistake, Governor Okowa worked harder than ever to move this State forward. He created economic security, incredible productivity and wealth and innovation that has been a hallmark of the Deltan economy, is broadly based.
“Therefore, the TUC want to thank Governor Okowa for creating a conducive working relationship with works in Delta State,” he said.
Continuing, he said, “Governor Okowa led a great State in the midst of a part of the world that is changing, changing for the better. TUC recognized his leadership, his understanding about the need for reform, his strong alliance, his clear vision and love. We really appreciate him.”
On the incoming administration, Comrade Nwchukwu said, “TUC is focused on, how do we continue to build on strong democracies; how do we continue to build on transparency and accountability. Because what we have learned over the last 8 years from Governor Okowa is that when you have got good governance — when you have democracies that work, sound management of public funds, transparency and accountability to the citizens that put leaders in place — it turns out that that is not only good for the state and the functioning of government, it’s also good for economic development because it gives people confidence, it attracts business, it facilitates trade and commerce.”
“All of us recognize that, Delta State is actually growing faster than ever and the Governor-Election, Rt Honorable Sheriff Oborevwori cannot afford not to go fast and further. TUC views the incoming administration through rose-coloured glasses.
“What we have seen with Okowa,” Nwachukwu continued, “is not only the Governor and his administration using every level of government he can to make meaningful change, but really woven into that is a commitment to support workers in Deltans, no matter where they come from, no matter what their ethnicity.
Okowa has been a more vigorous champion of labour unions than any governor in decades.
He recalled that on assumption of office as Governor, Delta State Local Government councils was owing several months of salaries and years of backlogged pension and gratuities for retirees but after the organized labour union met with Governor Okowa he promised swift action through an economic plan to solve the crisis and to ease the burden on State’s workers. The workers, in turn, pledged their cooperation.
The governor, he said, never delayed in getting the workers help needed by making remarkable efforts at clearing all owned salaries and gratuity and pension backlogs.
Recall that over the weekend Governor Okowa presented a special recognition service souvenir to singularly appreciate the TUC for its supports of his administration.
Comrade Nwachukwu’s thanked Governor Okowa for the acknowledgment and show of appreciation for the outstanding accomplishments of Trade Union Congress in the State.
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