I respect Niger workers, strikes will never affect our friendship – Sani Bello

7 years ago

I respect Niger workers, strikes will never affect our friendship – Sani Bello

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello says he bears no grudge against the leadership of the organised labour and the entire workforce in the state over the just suspended strike action.
The governor said he only saw the four-day industrial action called by the state chapters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as one of the many beauties of democracy.

Sani Bello who spoke yesterday commended the maturity exhibited by the workers while the action lasted.

He said: “For me as the governor and for the government, we bear no grudge against the organised labour, its leadership and entire workforce in the state. What happened was pure democracy at work. People have their right to express their grievances, especially when it is done peacefully.

“I strongly believe that the action of labour was not against my person. All we did were collectively done in the best interest of the state after a wide consultation with many stakeholders. So since my action was not personal, I did not see the strike as an action against my person”.

Bello pointed out that government’s relationship with organised labour had not only been cordial but could be likened to a family affair.

He assured that no worker will be penalised for role played during the four day industrial action, but called on the workers to reciprocate the gesture of the government by being productive and committed to work.

“If government can go all out to accede to the demands of labour, it behoves them that to whom much is given, much is expected. We have to put the past behind us and join hands together to take our state to the next level,” the governor charged.

He commended the reconciliatory role played by the leadership of the state’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the legislature, led by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Marafa, traditional rulers, led by Etsu Nupe, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, religious leaders, elder statesmen and opinion leaders.

He singled out former Governor Abdulkadir Abdullahi Kure, former deputy governor, Hon. Ahmed Ibeto, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji and other elder statesmen for their intervention in ensuring that the issue was amicably and peacefully resolved.

Sani reassured Nigerlites of his resolve to remain committed to providing good governance and to deliver dividends of democracy.