Ortom pleads for understanding over uncertainties in workplace

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has expressed gratitude to civil servants for their resilience despite the gruelling conditions they endured as a result of the atypical payment of salaries and other emoluments over the years. 

Ortom, in a solidarity message to workers as they mark the 2023 Workers’ Day, said despite the harsh economic environment, the workers remained undaunted and faithful.

The governor, who noted that this year’s Workers’ Day was the last he would be marking with them as governor, reiterated that “the last eight years have been challenging, but the workers kept the wheel of the state alive.” 

His words: “As we celebrate this year’s Workers’ Day, I sincerely express my solidarity and appreciation for the hardworking men and women of the Benue civil service, who keep our economy and our society running smoothly.

“The past years have been challenging for all of us and I know that many of you have faced difficult circumstances and uncertainties in your workplaces, like payment of salaries and other allowances. The situation has been worsened by insecurity in the state. Yet, you have had to adapt to new working conditions and navigate a rapidly changing economic landscape.

“But through it all, you have persevered and shown incredible resilience. Your dedication and commitment to your jobs and our communities are an inspiration to us all.”

He appreciated the workers for their hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to making the state a better place, describing them as the backbone of the state’s economy and the heart of the communities, adding: “I am honoured to serve as your governor.”

The Guardian learnt that Benue government owes pensioners over 30 months and civil servants salaries and other emoluments running into several months.

May 1 was chosen by the American Federation of Labour to commemorate a general strike in the United States, which had begun on May 1, 1886 and culminated in the Haymarket affair four days later. The demonstration subsequently became a yearly event.

International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day in some countries and often referred to as May Day, is a celebration of labourers and the working classes that is promoted by the international labour movement.

Traditionally, May 1 is the date of the European spring festival of May Day. In 1889, the Marxist International Socialist Congress met in Paris and established the Second International as a successor to the earlier International Workingmen’s Association. They adopted a resolution for a “great international demonstration” in support of working-class demands for eight working hours per day.