Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that no amount of intimidation, provocation, harassment or sabotage will change the focus of his administration in working for the interest of Rivers people.
Meanwhile the governor also donated the sum of one hundred million naira (N100 million) to the organized labour to support the workers day celebration
Governor Fubara made this declaration on Wednesday at the Yakubu Gowon Township Stadium, Port Harcourt during the 2024 May Day Celebration
While acknowledging the power of the people, Governor Fubara said despite his government being troubled he will not loose focus because of the power of the people which is the determinant of government.
“We have promised you service delivery and nothing will change it. It is our promise here again to the people of Rivers State and the Nigerian Labour Congress and the world that we will remain focused.”
“I reassure you that our faith in God is strong and with Him on our side there is no challenge that we cannot overcome. And it is important for us to work together to defend the collective interest of our state and advance the well-being of all.”
The governor hinted that he is committed to implementing the increase in workers’ salaries recently approved by the Federal Government as soon as the parameters are made available.
He noted that as a listening governmentN100 million) to the organized labour to support the workers day celebration
Gov. Fubara reiterated the importance and relevance of workers to the implementation of government policies and agenda for economic growth, provision of infrastructure, social progress and advancing the welfare and well-being of the citizens.
He emphasized that from the beginning of his administration he had promised to be labour friendly as his primary constituency and assured that he will not renege but continue to look after the well-being of the workers within the limit of available resources.
Sir Fubara restated his disposition to the workers welfare which led to his implementation of promotion and payment of accrued benefits to all categories of civil servants who were stagnated in the past 10 years
In highlighting some of his policy actions since he assumed office, Gov. Fubara pointed out that his government has reactivated and restored some facilities and services in the secretariat complex, and commissioned a reputable international company to scope the entire complex in order to advise on the cost of a comprehensive rehabilitation of the entire secretariat complex.
The governor also noted that he has approved the recruitment of 1000 doctors and other medical personnel to strengthen the State’s healthcare delivery system to enable everyone access quality healthcare in the State
“As you may also know, the State’s Contributory Healthcare Insurance Scheme has started, and I urge all workers to take advantage of the benefits of the scheme by enrolling to access prompt and affordable healthcare from both private and public service providers.”
He pointed out that his administration has continued to clear the backlog of gratuities to retired civil servants just as he has ensured the prompt enrolment and payment of pensions, stressing that the days of delayed payments of retirement benefits to civil servants are over
“I have also directed and ensured the implementation of the minimum wage and promotion of our workers in the local government service.”
Sir Fubara further stated that his administration approved and released the sum of N250,000,000 for the completion of the Secretariat building of the Nigerian Union of Teachers
In acknowledging the importance of the workforce Governor Fubara emphasized that there can be no nation-building or progress in society without the input, effort, and sacrifice of the workforce, stressing that Rivers State is economically strong, resilient, and vibrant because of the workers which also impacts on the progress of the local governments and communities
He expressed concerns over the poor state of the nation’s economy, especially, the continuously rising inflation and its impact on the purchasing power and well-being of the average worker and their families.