The Enugu State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Pharmacist Ugwuoke Chika on Thursday, met with the leaders of the various Labour leaders in the state.
Commenting on the reason for the meeting, Pharmacist Ugwuoke said it’s to commence “a bonding process in order to prepare the ground for a very smooth and non disruptive relationship.”
The Commissioner said the meeting afforded them the opportunity to discuss both in generic and specific terms about the issues that are bothering them at the moment which they think the new administration should be aware of.
He reiterated that the convener of the meeting with the Labour Leaders is his principal, Dr. Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State who has defined their responsibilities for them while reminding them that the government “is a Labour friendly one and the objectives of this ministry were directly extracted from the strategic objectives of the Governor.
“Number one in his strategic objective is peace and security,” noting that “Labour restiveness can hit up the polity in any society and part of the reasons for our meeting today is to set the platform for a peaceful and secured state.
“The second strategic objective of His Excellency is inclusive economic development and the labour force is the generator of the productive value in the society and we discussed on the need to collaborate with them to ensure that we have optimal productivity in Enugu State which can only come from the engine room of the Labour force.
Pharmacist Ugwuoke further expressed happiness with the response from the Labour leaders which shows that they had already forged a relationship with the Governor “And I’m now coming in to ensure that it works in the direction His Excellency wants it.
“It was a very exciting and fulfilling engagement. The richness of the content of their discussions. The non combatant tones of their submissions is giving me all the assurances that the administration is going to have the most peaceful and stable relationship with the Labour unions.
Also speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Comrade Barr. Fabian Nwigbo, the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Enugu State Council said “the meeting was fruitful and I see the Commissioner as a very proactive person just like his principal.”
Comrade Nwigbo stated that unlike what they had in the past were they will be the one making efforts to reach the new commissioner, Pharmacist Ugwuoke called him (Nwigbo) to arrange for the meeting two days ago.
“We had a very resounding meeting, a lot of issues were raised and discussed, he took notes and assured us that he’s going to ensure that His Excellency is aware of them.”
While managing his expectations due to the economic situation of the country, the Labour leader said “we’re looking at a stage by stage attack on these legion of cases and challenges before the Labour and workers of Enugu State.
Also present at the meeting were the chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Chairman of Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Chairman Association of Resident Doctors, Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Chairman of Nigeria Association of Nurses among other.
