By Felix Uka,
Abakaliki
In a number of occasions, there existed conflicts between
indigenous land owners and none indigenous residents. In Ebonyi State such cases have not really come up. But that is not to say that it has been without any point of disagreements.
Not long ago, plans by the non-indigens in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to hold a new yam festival (iri ji ohuo) were thwarted by a few individuals in the area, obviously for the reason of limiting the freedom of the non-indigens.
Ironically, that is contrary to the posture of the state
government, more so, the incumbent administration that appointed a non-indigene of the state as Commissioner, many others including an
Hausa man, currently, Technical Assistant to Governor Umahi.
To demonstrate their appreciation of the gestures, the Association of
Urban Town Unions, Abakaliki recently endorsed Governor David Umahi for a second-term in office.
The group said that its decision was informed by the numerous achievements of the incumbent administration in the areas of
infrastructure and human development.
The declaration was on the first end of the year general meeting of the union.
It held at the Abakaliki Township Stadium.
In his address, the group’s President, Comrade Ifeanyi
Nwabueze, explained that the association, which started with six town
unions, now has 150 town unions drawn from across states’ with residents in Abakaliki.
His words: “In the last one year, we have made tremendous achievements.
Among other things, we have been able to champion absolute unity and peaceful co-existence among our members, the urban community and residents of the state in general.”
He expressed their resolve to
support the second tenure of Governor Umahi and appreciated his all inclusive policies that made it possible for non-indigenous residents of the state to be appointed to positions of thrust.
The town union
President also applauded the efforts and commitment of Hon Charles
Akpu-Enika, the state’s Youth and Sports Commissioner, to the progress of the union.
He said that the commissioner has made them proud.
Responding, Akpu-Enika said that the re-election of Umahi had been
concluded in the spiritual realms.
His words: “The re-election is not
negotiable. We are only urging all eligible voters to ensure that they register so
that we shall be part of the story of all round victory for our PĐP in 2019.
“We will not waste funds campaigning for Akubaraoha again. Maybe
we do a little to ensure that all our other party members sweep the polls.”
Akpu-Enika explained that, “the need to register for elections is not only to ensure the victory of our candidates
because that is assured. We want to increase the quantity of votes
cast in Ebonyi State, more so because these things count even at the
national levels. I want us to double the figures we had in 2015”.
Highlight of the event was the endorsement of the governor by union
Executive.
In a similar vein, the organized labour in Ebonyi State has endorsed Umahi for second tenure. The organized labour made up of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSCNC) and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives
(NANNM) made public their declaration at Abakaliki Township Stadium during
the rally they held in honour of the governor and to mark the end of the year.
Leaders of the affiliate labour unions separately spoke at the event.
It was more like a political rally of sorts. All of them applauded the
governor for various reasons including regular payment of
workers’ salaries and introduction of 13th month salaries into the
state civil service.
At the event, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress,
Comrade Leonard Nkah, said that since assumption of office, Umahi has maintained regular payment of workers’ salaries and introduced 13th
month salaries into the state civil service.
Nkah noted that Umahi had paid workers 2016 and 2017 promotion and
leave allowances of all civil servants in the state in addition to payment of retired civil servants.
“As we speak now, bank alerts for gratuities are being received and
confirmations gotten. In just this December, Governor Umahi has caused a sort of ‘money rain’ on the workers. He has paid two years arrears of leave allowances, December salaries, promotions arrears etc.
The actions are also on the heels of expedited action being taken on yearly increment with the implementation of Gen. 35”, he said.
The governor was given the title of Enyi ndi Oru 1 of Ebonyi State (friend of workers 1) by the leaders of the labour unions.
Over 10, 000 workers witnessed the event.
Responding to the gestures of the workers, obviously elated Umahi promised to give 50 percent bonus of basic salary of all the workers
on the January 2, 2018, adding that all the workers, who were yet to
receive their N10,000 December bonus would receive the money before
the end of work the next day.
Umahi thanked the Labour leaders and the
entire workers for the honour and promised to continue to work
harmoniously with workers in the state.
He described as unfortunate
some media reports alleging that the state government was owing salaries, adding that the workers in the state have proven his
detractors wrong and urged them to desist from such propaganda.
About 60, 000 bags of Abakaliki rice were shared to the workers in the state.