THE recently elected chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Rivers State, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, has committed to protect the interests of the state’s workers.
Agwangwor, a member of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, was elected chairman unopposed, succeeding Beatrice Itubo, the immediate past chairman and governorship candidate of the Labour Party in Rivers State.
Addressing reporters shortly after his election, Agwanwor pledged to free employees in the state from oppressive employers.
He also committed to cooperate with all employers, whether private and public, to guarantee that workers’ welfare is protected..
Agwanwor stated, “For labour in Rivers State there is a a new hope. The fight for the emancipation of workers in Rivers State from the hands of draconian and wicked employers and agencies.
“As a leader of the congress, I will ensure that the hope and confidence of workers in Rivers State is restored back.
“For the retirees and pensioners, we have our plans and we will ensure that they are not owed. We will make sure that every issues regarding the welfare of workers in Rivers State is settled for the interest of the workers
“We will engage the government the private sector and for all employers of Labour, it will not be business as usual. The struggle for the emancipation and prosperity of Rivers State workers and people has just begun.
“Our unity should be in diversity as we are members of different affiliates, but bounded by one goal and objective, which is the continuous fight for the right and wellbeing of workers in Rivers State.
“We believe if we work together as one family with a common goal and interest, collectively, we conquer and overcome the shenanigans of the slave masters in our workplace.”
Continuing, he stated, “We refuse to accept the cynical notion that the labour movement in Rivers State is in comatose and divided.
“We believe that as leaders, we must speak the unarmed truth to power and show unconditional love to our members.”
Earlier, the Deputy National President of NLC, Adeyanju Adewale, urged the new Rivers State leadership to carry everybody along and ensure there was no room for crisis.
“Under the leadership of our national president, Joe Ajaero, hope has come to the labour movement.
“We are labour union, we are not politicians and we should not allow ourselves to be used by politicians. Our own is to protect the interest of workers.
“I also want to appealed to the new leadership to not be disconnected from the workers,” Adewale said.
