The Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), have refuted the allegations by the immediate past Head of Service, George Nwaeke, to the effect that suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara has compromised the labour movement in the state.
The two unions in replying Nwaeke, described his accusations of the unions being compromised as baseless and misleading.
A statement jointly signed by the state NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, and state Chairman of the TUC, Ikechukwu Onyefuru, reaffirmed that the unions are non-partisan organization and as such, they remain dedicated to defending the rights and interests of Rivers workers.
The unions said that it is highly irresponsible and mischievous for Nweke to insinuate that the leadership of labour in Rivers State has been compromised or is engaging in political partisanship.
“The NLC, under the leadership of its state chairman, has at all times acted in the best interest of workers without undue political influence.
“The labour movement is driven by principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability, and we will not allow our integrity to be tarnished by baseless accusations,” the unions said.
The statement described Nweke’s claim that the state NLC chairman has been holding private meetings with Governor Siminalaiyi Fubara and receiving financial inducements as outright false and defamatory.
It said such allegations are nothing more than an attempt to discredit the labour movement, and divert attention from the real issues affecting the state.
The statement further said the NLC leadership in Rivers State operates in full compliance with ethical standards, and has consistently engaged with the state government on legitimate labour matters, including workers’ welfare, salary payments, and improved working conditions.
“The NLC is an advocate for good governance, stability, and the rule of law. It is therefore, disheartening that Dr. Nwaeke has chosen to malign the labour movement by suggesting that it is being used for political maneuvering.
“If he has any credible evidence of wrongdoing, we challenge him to present it to the appropriate authorities, rather than resort to unsubstantiated public statements aimed at inciting discord.
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“The declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State is a matter of national discourse, and the NLC, like all stakeholders, has the right to express its position based on facts and the impact on workers.
“The labour movement will always stand against any action that undermines the democratic rights of the people or leads to instability that affects workers and the general populace.
“Our position on this matter remains clear; the welfare of the workers and the citizens of Rivers State must be prioritized above political interests,” labour said.
The unions urged Nwaeke and other political actors, to refrain from dragging the NLC and its leadership into their political battles, pointing out that the NLC will not be intimidated or coerced into taking sides in political disputes.
“Our primary responsibility is to the workers, and we will continue to champion their cause with integrity and accountability,” they added.
The statement advised the public to disregard the unfounded claims made by Nwaeke, insisting that the NLC remains committed to its mandate and will not be distracted by baseless accusations.
