Rivers Allocation Saga: NLC President Cautions, Says Court Decision Could Worsen Hardship

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has recently reacted to the recent judiciary decision to suspend the allocations to the Rivers State Government. He urged the judiciary to exercise caution in issuing rulings that could melt hardship on the people.

Ajaero, who was unveiling 10 new CNG-powered buses at the NLC secretariat in Port Harcourt, advised the judiciary against embarking on a “journey of self-destruction,” expressing worries over the repercussions of such a decision that could worsen the economic conditions for thousands of workers in the concerned state.

While the labour leader hailed the recent approval of a minimum salary of ₦85,000 for state employees, he called on the Nigerian Bar Association, National Judicial Council, and other pertinent organisations to investigate the issue considering established precedents, he added, even though the NLC is holding off on adopting a firm stand because the cases are still pending in court.

He however encouraged the state administration to address outstanding difficulties, including the nine-year delay in teacher salaries from state demonstration schools and unpaid hazard allowances for health workers starting in 2021.
On the issue of CNG-powered buses, Ajaero emphasized the importance of expanding CNG infrastructure nationwide to support the functionality of the vehicles.

He also called for CNG prices to be regulated to avoid the kind of inflation seen with petrol prices, noting that Nigeria has vast gas reserves.
According to him, the NLC has taken delivery of 60 CNG-powered buses and is distributing 10 to each geopolitical zone to test their efficiency.
He said Rivers is the first state in the South-South to receive the buses, adding that the union aims to make Rivers and Edo the hub for CNG operations in the region, with Edo already housing CNG stations.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, urged the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by Ajaero to remain constructive in carrying out their duties of representing the workers and the masses.

He assured the NLC of the state government’s resolve to make the welfare of Rivers workers a priority, just as he urged them to continue to engage the government meaningfully and constructively.

The governor promised that his government would pass a vote of confidence on the State Chapter of NLC as they have approached issues in a very civilized manner.