Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has promised to prioritize policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of the state. He made this assurance while addressing the organised labour during their peaceful protest to the Government House in Port Harcourt, expressing their discontent over the effects of subsidy removal.
Governor Fubara acknowledged the difficulties and hardships faced by workers and the general population due to the subsidy removal. He commended the organized labour for their peaceful approach during the protest and assured them that their demands would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
Highlighting the measures taken by his administration to alleviate the impact of the subsidy removal, the governor mentioned that he was the first governor in the country to provide free buses as an intervention. He urged the workers to be patient and supportive of the Rivers State Government’s efforts in tackling the challenges.
Governor Fubara stated, “Difficult times require difficult decisions. At the state level, the governor has assured that he will do everything within his powers to ensure that the present challenges felt by not only the workers but the generality of the people are properly addressed.”
The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, expressed the reasons behind the protest, citing the adverse effects of the subsidy removal on workers and the masses without adequate measures in place to mitigate their sufferings.
During the protest, Comrade Agwanwor presented a six-point demand to the governor, urging immediate and sincere implementation of the resolutions agreed upon by congress jointly signed with the government and Trade Union Congress (TUC). One of the demands included the reversal of all anti-poor policies, particularly the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Governor Fubara assured the workers and the people of Rivers State that he would engage in discussions with the organized labour and other segments of society to develop policies that would address the challenges faced by the citizens.
The governor’s commitment to finding solutions to the issues raised by the workers signifies the government’s dedication to the welfare of its people during these challenging times.
