By Isaac Uzaan
The Nigerian Labour Congress, Benue State Council has passed a vote of confidence on Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia.
This is in recognition of the Governor’s deliberate prioritization of workers’ welfare and growth as evident in the prompt and regular payment of workers’ salaries, as well as pensions and gratuities to retirees.
Speaking Wednesday, May 01, 2024 at the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration held at IBB Square, Makurdi, the state Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress, Benue State Council, Comr. Terungwa Igbe thanked Governor Alia for demonstrating uncommon passion for the welfare of civil servants in Benue State.
Comr. Igbe said for the past three years, they had not gathered to celebrate Workers’ Day since their times were punctuated with non payment of salaries and pensions, lack of promotions and absence of gratuities.
He expressed happiness that Governor Alia has pumped life into the Benue civil service system and Benue workers who were left in the Intensive Care Unit have since been discharged.
While highlighting the numerous achievements of Governor Alia in office in a few months, the Labour chairman said civil servants in Benue State are having their promotions, collecting their salaries regularly, retirees are receiving their pensions, and payment of arrears of salaries and pensions have already begun.
He, however, appealed to the Governor to consider implementing the new minimum wage in Benue and, as well, ensure prompt payment of salaries for primary school teachers.
The group passed vote of confidence on Governor Alia and promised to continue to work tirelessly to guaranteed the success of his administration.
Governor Alia, in his response expressed delight to have joined Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) as well as all workers across Benue to mark this Year’s May Day.
The Governor said without the workforce, governments, institutions and society in its entirety, cannot function, stressing that every worker deserves their wages; and that he considered it a crime not to pay employees their due emoluments.
He assured the Labour unions that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed Hope Agenda, his administration was ready and willing to implement the anticipated new minimum wage as may be agreed upon by the Federal Government and the organized labour.
The Governor who acknowledged the unwavering patience, sacrifices and commitment to duty of Benue civil servants, advised all labour unions within the State and the country in general, to always consider dialogue with government, as the first step towards addressing areas of discontent, rather than resorting to industrial actions.
