The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State chapter has lauded the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu for his giant strides in transforming the state just within a year.
The NLC Chairman in the state, Comrade Murtala Usman, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit on the governor in Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
He said: “The essence of the visit is to come and say thank you for fulfilling your promises, you did not let us down and also to say thank you for appointing two of our members as Permanent Secretaries.”
The labour leader noted that they were proud to be associated with the transformative agenda of the governor, saying, “We are proud of you because of the gigantic projects being executed across the state.
“We are also here to thank you for hosting the first ever successful Hajj operation in the state.
“There were some groups of people that performed special “Dawaf”
(circumambulation) for you, prayed to Almighty God to guide, protect and give you the wisdom to deliver the goods successfully. We want to appreciate you for that and urge you to keep it up.
“We also want to thank you for keeping to your words, you have converted casual workers to permanent staff as promised. Another thing of joy is the harmonisation of doctors’ salary to curb brain drain.”
The labour leader said they were in the Government House to also thank the governor for numerous people oriented projects spread across the state, observing that such achievements wouldn’t have been possible without able and good lieutenants.
Responding, Gov. Nasir Idris said:
“Your visit always reminds me where I came from. I will never forget those who stood by me.”
The governor seized the opportunity to thank the labour leadership for giving the NLC in the state a focus.
“NLC is not a revenue generating agency, therefore, it’s not a shameful thing when you tell your master that you need assistance,” he said.
He thanked them for the maturity shown especially on the issue of payment of minimum wage.
Gov. Idris said as government they would not allow mischief makers to spoil the matter.
“I am not in a hurry to implement minimum wage, we are waiting for the Federal Government to bring out the template and the table first.
“When the template is out, as unionists, we will sit down with the labour and sort it out to agree,” he assured.
Speaking on alleged workers’ money deduction by faceless individuals, the governor said when workers’ money “is being deducted, it is the NLC and TUC that will make noise, not any other person else, because we respect leadership.
“Anybody who is trying to cause friction between you and the state government, fish him out and ensure that he reap the fruits of what he sow.”
