Let strike be your last option, Wike charges labour unions

Rivers State governor, Mr
Nyesom Wike has advised labour unions to use
strike as the last option in trade disputes to stem
the tide of development challenges witnessed as
a result of the frequency of strikes in the
country.

Governor Wike also said that the state
government will collaborate with National Union
of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG,
as it develops a Tankers Village at Eleme with a
view to taking tankers off the highways and
generating revenue.

Addressing the National Administrative Council
of NUPENG, led by its President, Igwe Aches at
the Government House, Port Harcourt,
yesterday, Governor Wike said that he believed
that workers should be allowed to unionise so
that companies and organisations will be
encouraged to always consider their welfare.

He said: “I believe that strikes should serve as a
last option for unions during trade disputes. The
strikes in Nigeria are getting too many and
efforts should be targeted at reducing them.”

He appreciated the leaders of NUPENG calling
off their strike following his intervention, noting
that the state government has already called on
oil companies to reciprocate by recalling the
sacked workers.

The governor urged unions to always work
towards the development of money spinning
ventures, to reduce their dependence on check
off dues for survival.

Expressing happiness that NUPENG was
developing a tankers village/Tank farm in Rivers
State, he directed the state Commissioner for
Energy and the Special Adviser on Lands to work
with the union to bring the project to fruition
and ensure the release of certificate of
occupancy for the project site.

Governor Wike, however, said that the state will
work out amnesty for criminals and cultists who
lay down their arms and embrace peace.

Earlier, President of NUPENG, Igwe Aches
commended the governor for his development
strides in the areas of infrastructure and welfare
of workers.