By DADA AYOKHAI
Putting into practice the old saying that “One good turn deserves another”, the local government workers in Edo State have promised to reciprocate the kind gestures of the state governor by lending their critical support to the state Governor Mr Godwin Obaseki come 2023.
Although the NULGE president did not mention the significance of 2023 to the state government, it’s is highly believed it meant supporting the Governor Godwin Obaseki’s candidates in the Presidential and National Assembly elections.
The workers, under their umbrella body, the National Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, unanimously gave the state governor, Mr. Goodwin Obaseki a pat on the back, saying his administration places a high premium on the welfare and the morale of local government workers in the state and as a result deserves the cooperation and support for him in 2023.
The promise of support was contained in the speech delivered by the President of the Union, Comrade Lazarus Adorolo while addressing delegates from the various local government areas of the state at the annual NULGE Week held at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Comrade Lazarus Adorolo listed several of the worker-friendly policy initiatives of the state government and lauded the administration’s efforts at reforming the local government system as well as improving the welfare of the state and the local government workers.
Comrade Adorolo further stated that it is incumbent on the NULGE and other labour unions operating in the state to support Gov Obaseki so that his laudable worker-friendly policies can sprout and bear bountiful dividends for all.
Among the worker-friendly policy initiatives enumerated by Comrade Adorolo was the amended Edo Local Government law which equated the position of the Head of the Local Government, HOLGA, with that of a permanent secretary in the state civil service in terms of status and emoluments.
Much as the amended local government law significantly helped to strengthen the morale of the local government employees, an excited Comrade Adorolo also showered praises on the governor for jerking up the state’s minimum wage to N40, 000, which he said was far above the national threshold, and also extending the “windfall” to the local government employees in the state.
In addition, he listed some of the challenges being faced by the Union and solicited government intervention to overcome them. Of particular interest to the Union is the salary arrears owed NULGE members for which they urged the governor as a “big brother” to ensure it is cleared to help bring succor to the affected workers.
The NULGE president also demanded the remittances of all monies deducted from local government workers’ salaries in respect of workers cooperative societies, workers’ associations and unions, national housing fund among others before April, 2021.
He opined that, “while we have huge debt accruing from unpaid salaries or salary arrears, this monster of non remittance of deductions from paid salaries is capable of further improvising the already financially decimated workers who are our members.
He also opined the deductions that are unremitted constitute savings and contributions by workers to cater for their welfare and well-being.
The week long celebration to Mark the NULGE Week was brought to a fitting end with lectures on topical labour related issues, a gala nite, panel discussions and the colourful parade and cultural dances put on display to the admiration of the spectators by the various local government chapters of the Union.
Amongst the dignitaries who withnessed the ceremony is the speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt hon Marcus Onobun, NULGE National president,
Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji,
Head of Administration of the LGAs in the state.
