By Felix Ekwu
Workers in Delta State have cried out to the state government to urgently intervene in the astronomical increase in house rent particularly in Asaba and Okpanam community that has continued to benefit from the spillover occasioned by the development and urbanization of the state capital.
The workers made known their plight to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, on Sunday when they converged under affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, at the St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, to celebrate this year’s workers’ day with the theme: “Labour, Politics And The Quest For Good Governance And Development In Nigeria”.
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Delta Council, Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, who decried a situation where a 2 bedroom flat now goes for Seven Hundred Thousand Naira (N700,000), told the governor that “The fact that you are developing the state does not mean civil servants should be exploited.
“Workers do not have N700,000 to pay for 2 bedroom flat. Please, intervene. When the rent in Lagos State was getting out of hand, the government intervened. So, please also intervene in Okpanam, Asaba and other parts of the state.
“You know how much our salary is. You know we are managing. So, when they say pay N700,000, pay N800,00, it makes us perpetual borrowers. We will have to borrow to pay rent, school fees and even eat. So, please look at that area and help your children.”
Concerning the 2023 general elections particularly as it pertains to the next governor of the state, Comrade Ofobruku told Okowa that “The labour movement is very, very interested in the politics of the state. Now that you are leaving Your Excellency, we do not want you to give to us somebody who will not continue with your good works.
“There were some states that were doing great before and the moment some governors took over, those states’ development strides have rolled back.
“We want you to interface with the labour movement and give us somebody that will build on your legacies. And we assure you, with the number of workers we have in the public and private sectors, we will be able to deliver in your quest for development of the state.”
The state NLC chairman further commended Okowa for his labour-friendly posture, especially in the area of payment of workers’ salaries as and when due, annual promotions and yearly incremental credit, the setting of additional three universities to cater for the admission needs of Delta students and sustenance of the Contributory Health Scheme.
The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, Delta State, won the first position in the match past at the colourful ceremony.
