Nigerian Newsday

The Niger State Government assured the state branch of Trade Union Congress (TUC) and all other labour unions in the state of its support in its bid to better the standards of living of the people of the state.

Making this known recently, the Governor of Niger State, Engr. Abdulkadir Kure, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Nuhu Shem, Zagbayi during the inauguration of the trade union new executive members of the state chapter of TIC in Minna, however called on the union leaders to work together with the government for the sustenance of the dividends of democracy adding that "the worst political administration is better than the best military government".

He also called on the union leaders to formulate good policies and work closely with the police and the press for the betterment of civil servants in all ramifications and not only for salary increase.

He prayed God to guide the trade union executives in the discharge of their duties and hoped that the union leaders would serve the people of the state properly.

Also in his speech during the inauguration, Niger Sate Director, National Orientation Agency, Alhaji Danladi Umar Abdul-Hmeed called on the members of the TUC to use their vantage positions to assist and enlighten the public towards understanding the manifestoes of the various political parties and the need for them to always discharge their civic responsibilities as well as guiding them to vote for only credible people to represent them.

In his words: "The low level of political awareness of generality of Nigerians and the ever increasing hardship has made it mandatory for the trade union congress to join his agency's public enlightenment drive, which should form the basis for better judgments and national decision making.

Alhaji Danladi Abdul-Hameed equally called on the trade union congress to serve as watch dogs of the society. As voters, he said, they owe it a duty to ensure that after elections, representatives are made responsible and accountable to the masses so as to promote good governance, saying that "peace is universally a sure harbinger of any society's survival and continued existence".

Also in his speech, the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Niger State Council, Engr. Comrade Yahaya Dauda emphasized the importance of manpower for an effective production process.

He therefore promised to protect the right of the TUC members through dialogue, and all legitimate means available without fear or favours.

He therefore called on the working class to unit and face challenges "of our national development through dialogue but if necessary to fearlessly stand up against all forms of injustice".