The organized labor in Enugu State has praised Governor Peter Mbah for his numerous achievements in improving the well-being of the people and workers of the state, hailing him as a “promise keeper” and “the most worker-friendly governor in Nigeria.”
During the May Day celebration at Okpara Square, Enugu, the workers commended Governor Mbah for his various policies, programs, and projects, which they stated were transforming the state in record time.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, Governor Mbah renewed his commitment to the welfare of the people and workers. He reiterated his determination to go beyond immediate palliatives, such as wage awards, to create wealth, functional systems, and institutions that significantly reduce the burdens currently draining workers’ income.
The commendations were delivered by the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress in the state, Comrade Ben Asogwa, and his Nigeria Labour Congress counterpart, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo.
Comrade Nwigbo stated, “We cannot thank Your Excellency enough for your worker-friendly dispositions and policies, which are manifestly translated into enormous benefits that the people of Enugu State, especially workers, have been enjoying since the inception of your administration.”
He highlighted several initiatives, including ongoing massive water projects aimed at providing quality drinkable water, efforts to grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, and the clearing of pension arrears, among others.
He continued, “The ongoing road construction and rehabilitation in almost the entire state is absolutely commendable. The proposed New Enugu City, where work is ongoing with the gains of decongesting the already congested Enugu city, is also noteworthy.”
“Importantly, the outstanding improvement in security of lives and property, especially the defeat of the non-state actors that disrupted business activities on Mondays in Enugu in the name of sit-at-home, is a major feat.”
The workers also presented several requests to the Mbah administration, including the commencement of payment of gratuity arrears after the verification of beneficiaries, payment of pension arrears to retirees from state parastatals, primary schools, and local governments, as well as other demands.
In response, Governor Mbah, represented by the Deputy Governor, expressed gratitude to the workers for their support and industry. He promised to address their remaining demands.
“We know how hard it is for everyone now. But we appeal to our workers to be patient with us because we are doing everything we can, within the means available to government, to make life better for workers in Enugu State.”
“That is why we are trying to create wealth. That is why we are aggressive in our drive for foreign and local investment. That is why we are trying to create jobs that pay better for our people.”
“What we are also trying to do is to invest in our road network and our public transport system to reduce the pressure workers face in fueling their cars. We are also building quality public healthcare that will be affordable and they have to be such that both the rich and the poor will be very confident to patronise,” he concluded.
