By: Yekini Jimoh – Lokoja.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kogi State, Comrade Onuh Edoka has said that no government in power can seal the union’s secretariat if they embark on industrial action.
Comrade Edoka disclosed this on Monday during the commissioning of the first Ultra modern NLC Secretariat in Lokoja, the state capital.
The NLC Chairman noted that unlike what is reported in other states where government build a secretariat for NLC and later seals it when workers protest against any obnoxious policies of government, the new NLC secretariat in Kogi State was built by the union with little support from government.
According to him, numerous challenges were encountered during the building project, as the union got little support from stakeholders in the state.
“No government can come out and close this Secretariat if workers embark on strike. This Secretariat belongs to us. The Government offered little support in building of our Secretariat. We know what is happening in other states where NLC secretariat was built by the State Government, so we are careful that is why we went all out to source for funds to build NLC secretariat by ourselves with little support from Government.
Edoka, who will be handing over to a new Executive of NLC this week appreciated Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for his support towards ensuring that NLC in Kogi State has their own secretariat after over 30 years of their existence.
He, however, used the medium to also commend the Auditor General of Local Government, Alhaji Usman Ododo, for his support in the completion of the secretariat.
Edoka appealed to Kogi workers to always support NLC towards achieving their goal in the state.
In his remarks, the National President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was represented by the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ogwaja, commended the leadership of NLC for his remarkable achievement in the State.
Ajaero commended the unity among unions in Kogi State, stressing, when workers unite, their struggles will not go in vain.
He wants the office to be accessible to every worker in Kogi State, stressing that nobody can proscribe labour union in the country.
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