Fubara assures Rivers’ workers of salary increase

By Philip Ezuma, Port Harcourt

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementation of salary increase recently approved by the Federal Government for workers in the State, as soon as the parameters are made available.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, where activities to commemorate the 2024 International Workers Day, with the theme: ‘People First’, took place on Wednesday.

The Governor stated how concerned his Administration is about the poor state of the nation’s economy, with the attendant rising inflation, which has impacted adversely on the purchasing power and well-being of the average workers and their families.

Governor Fubara, therefore, said: “Let me assure you that we are going to work with the Federal Government to implement necessary measures, including the continuation of the free bus services and the provision of necessary palliatives to ameliorate the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

“We are also committed to implementing the increase in workers’ salaries recently approved by the Federal Government as soon as the parameters are made available.

“We are a listening Government, and we have heard the common concerns and demands of labour on the urgency of stimulating economic growth and improving the living conditions of our people.”

Governor Fubara acknowledged workers as critical human resources that have continued to contribute immensely to the sustained long-term economic growth of the State.

The Governor noted that workers are indispensable, from the production lines of small and big factories to Government offices and institutions.

They also play critical roles, he said, in the vast oil and gas fields, to the movement of goods and services, where they ensure service delivery, wealth creation, and the advancement of human civilization.

Governor Fubara, categorically said: “Rivers State is what it is, economically strong, resilient, and vibrant because of our workers. Our local governments and communities are what they are because workers are doing their jobs.

“Our nation is the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa only because of the commitment, efforts, and achievements of our workers.

“What this means is that there can be no nation-building or progress in society without the input, effort, and sacrifice of the workforce.”

The Governor gave the assurance that: “As a Government, we recognize the roles, importance, and relevance of our workers to the implementation of our policy agenda for economic growth, provision of infrastructure, social progress and advancing the welfare and well-being of citizens.”

“This is the reason we are here, not only to celebrate with you, but also to reiterate, reinforce, and reassure us of the inseparable bonds we have with organised labour as partners in progress.

“We may have reasonable causes to disagree, which is normal in every social relationship. But we cannot afford to be at each other’s throats and neglect our common responsibilities to advance the peace, security, and progress of our State”, he added.