By Grace Ben Kato
Comrade Sule Tijani, has been elected the new Chairman, Kogi State council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
Tijani, was returned unopposed as the Chairman, during the 1st Quadrennial State Delegates’ Congress of the Union, held at ASUSS secretariat in Lokoja, the state capital.
Other elected officials are: Comrades Idakwoji Rechea l- Vice Chairman, Emejeh Synday – Secretary, Abdulkadir Yusuf – Treasurer, Yakubu Achile – Auditor, Okpanwu Reuben – Assistant Secretary, Obajemu Samuel – PRO, Ejidike Philomena – Financial Secretary, Ibikunle Abejide – Chairperson Women Commission and Comrade Ayishat as Secretary Women Commission.
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In his acceptance speech, the new TUC Chairman, pledged the executives commitment to pursuing the interest and desires of workers in the state. He thanked sister labour centres and all affiliates members of the congress for their cooperation.
While appreciating TUC members for uniting and working collectively to achieve their goal, he promised that his leadership would demonstrate their and resolve to continue to work in solidarity with NLC and Government in the quest to better the lives of civil servants in the state.
Comrade Tijani, who commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prompt payment of salaries and prioritising the welfare of retirees, said the seamless negotiation of minimum wage and implementation in 2024, is a proof that the present administration is “labour friendly”.
He also praised Governor Ododo, for appointing 15 labour leaders to serve in is Government. “This is unprecedented in the history of Kogi State and this singular act lend credence to his commitment in running an inclusive governance.
“The Governor’s choice of appointing some of our veterans like Comrade Ojo Ranti Mathew, the immediate past TUC Chairman as SSA Kogi West to the Governor on Labour matter and his counterpart Comrade Kadir Sulieman who hold similar portfolio from the Central Senatorial District is highly commendable. The height of this appointment is that of Comrade Onuh Edoka, a two term NLC Chairman as Special Adviser on Labour matter.”
He however, appealed to the Governor, to consider the full harmonization of monthly pension of retirees before 2012 inaccordance with the National Minimum Wage and consider securing a bond that would enable his administration offset the backlog of gratuities to deserving pensioners.
He also appealed to Governor Ododo to commence recruitment into the Civil Service. “As civil servants keep exiting the state civil service on the ground of retirement and death, we want to bring to your attention that the staff strength has drastically depleted and the only way to save the civil service from total collapse is to commence mass recruitment of qualified hands… as this will enable the bulk of active staff who are on the verge of retirement impart on-the-job training to the prospective new recruits.
The Chairman who equally noted the dearth of teachers in the state, appealed to Governor Ododo, to consider the immediate employment of 2,871 being the balance of 3,979 approved by his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, who employed 1,108 in 2023.
In his address, the Special Adviser on Labour matter to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Comrade Onuh Edoka, commended the union for towing the path of peace in electing its leaders. He emphasised the Governor’s commitment to civil servants and plans to fill employment gap.
Speaking at the Delegtes Congress, the TUC president, Comrade Festus Osifo, who commended the outdone executives for their leadership, commitment and sacrifice, charged the new executives to raise the bar of excellence.
According to him, congress is not mere electing leaders, but a time for deep reflection, stock taking and strategic repositioning. ‘It is an opportunity to assess our journey so far, consolidate our strengths, address our weaknesses and chart a purposeful path for the future.”
The highlight of the congress was Award of Excellence on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Comrades Onuh Edoka, Akeju Yusuf and Ojo Ranti. Certificate of Service was also presented on, Comrades Idris Baba, Sulieman Danjuma and Comrade Adeika Bose
