Emeka Woke, a serving commissioner in Rivers State under the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has come forward to defend the labour-friendly reputation of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
The commissioner highlighted the numerous contributions and initiatives taken by Wike during his tenure, which he believes firmly establish the former governor’s commitment to labour relations.
He said, “For eight years you will recall all the names that the former governor (Nyesom Wike) and all the titles and accolades he had while he held sway in Rivers State.”
He expressed his dismay at the claims made by some labour leaders in the state, describing them as “wickedness” and “the highest level of mischief and ingratitude.”
Woke reminded the public of the significant infrastructure projects undertaken for labour unions by Wike, who is currently serving as the Minister of Federal Capital Territory.
“Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, CON, the grand service star of Rivers State and the life-bencher, built a secretariat for the Nigeria Labour Congress in Rivers State, started from foundation to finish and handed over to him,” Woke stated.
The secretariat’s commissioning by the then National President of NLC, Ayuba Wabba, was cited as evidence of the project’s transparency and success.
The commissioner also referenced the awards given to Wike by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, which recognized him as a pro-labour governor. These awards, according to Woke, contradict the current narrative being pushed by some labour leaders.
Woke criticized the inconsistency of the labour leaders, suggesting that their current stance undermines the very awards they previously bestowed.
“What is wrong is for them to come and say that in the last eight years that the former administration did not do anything, whereas it’s the same people that gave the award to the former governor,” he argued.
The commissioner concluded his statement by questioning the example set by these labour leaders for their followers, implying that their actions could have a negative impact on the perception of leadership within the labour community.
