NLC, TUC, others bicker over construction secretariat in Bayelsa
The organised labour in Bayelsa State, represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), is irked by recent statements credited to a former Commissioner in the state, Mr. Udengs Eradiri.
Eradiri, also a former candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2024 governorship election in the state had reportedly said that the construction of a new nine-storey Secretariat by the Douye Diri-led state government was a misplaced priority.
He had claimed that workers were not complaining about a lack of office spaces.
Reacting to the statement, the NLC and the TUC leaderships faulted the claim, saying they had consistently advocated for a modern and accommodating Secretariat that meets the needs of the workers in Bayelsa State.
In a statement yesterday signed by the NLC Chairman, Mr. Barnabas Simeon, and his TUC counterpart, Dr. Julius Laye, the organised labour said the concerns raised by Engr. Eradiri did not align with the prevailing reality faced by the workers of Bayelsa State.
They stated: ‘While we respect Mr. Eradiri’s right to express his opinions, we wish to clarify the position of organised Labour concerning this matter and set the record straight about the needs of our workforce.
“For over seven years, both the NLC and TUC have consistently advocated for a modern and accommodating Secretariat that meets the needs of the workers in Bayelsa State.
“This demand has been an integral part of our discussions during previous May Day celebrations. Therefore, the assertion that there is no necessity for such infrastructure is not reflective of the sentiments expressed by the workforce over the years.
“In our recent Labour Day celebrations, we took the opportunity to commend His Excellency Governor Douye Diri for his responsiveness to the long-standing requests of the workers by awarding the contract for the new Secretariat building. This step is not only a recognition of our demands but also a commitment to enhancing the working environment for our members.
“Furthermore, it is important to highlight that significant changes within the state civil service have occurred since 2019. The administration employed a large number of workers, including First Class graduates who were offered automatic appointments.
