Ex-NLC chairmen, NULGE, JNC intervene in Anambra labour crisis

Former chairmen of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have intervened in the crisis rocking the Anambra State chapter and demanded that the Ayuba Wahab-led national leadership should support the election of Humphrey Nwafor against chairperson of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Mrs. Chinwe Orizu.

They said the intervention was hinged on the fact that Nwafor, who doubles as state chairman of the National Association of Staff Union (NASU), was duly elected at a meeting in NLC’s state secretariat, Awka.

The past NLC chairmen, who intervened and backed Nwafor, including comrades Godwin Ibekwe, Anthony Ugozor and Patrick Obianyo, noted that Nwafor’s emergence followed provisions of the NLC, particularly Article 11(3) 8, which authorises the State Executive Committee (SEC) to fill vacant positions in acting capacity.

According to them, Nwafor fulfilled the provisions of Article 10(4) 6, which governs his nomination and unanimous election as the NLC chairman in the state to complete the tenure of his predecessor, Jerry Nnubia, who vacated his position based on his retirement from service.

They expressed gratitude that the state government has reviewed the process and application of constitutional provision in the election and accorded Nwafor the right to attend state functions, including the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration, inauguration of Awka Township Stadium and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), among others.

While warning that the lingering crisis could affect smooth interface with the state government on labour matter in the state, they pledged to reach out to the Wabba-led NLC for a lasting solution to what they described as ‘a distraction.’

Speaking, JNC Chairman in the state, Mrs. Edith Onwuka, argued that the state government has not been paying the N30, 000 minimum wage, was owing leave allowance of workers, especially of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), as well as pensions and gratuities, adding that organised labour should be focused and united to present the demands to the state government.

She, however, appreciated the timely intervention of past leaders, stressing that there is need to unite the body ahead of the swearing in of the Governor-elect, Prof. Charles Soludo.

Contributing, Chairman of NULGE in the state, Chikwelu Adigwe, solicited support of the workforce for Nwafor’s leadership having been elected within the ambit of constitution provisions.

He accused Nnubia of being the brain behind the discord, stressing a leader who retires from service should quit his position, as stipulated in the Constitution.

Earlier, Nwafor assured that he would not relent in serviing the greater interest of the workers having emerged constitutionally.