On Thursday, May 1, 2025 which the Nigerian workers celebrated as the Worker’s Day often referred to as the May Day, the Eleme Local Council workers in Rivers State defied the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC’s) directive to boycott celebration in the state due to the presence of a Sole Administrator in the Government House
Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
The Eleme Local Council workers had trooped out in their numbers at Ogale, the headquarters of the Council on Thursday, May 1, 2025 to celebrate this year’s Worker Day.
The Eleme LGA workers’ insistence on the celebration of the Workers Day, was contrary to the directive of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), that workers in Rivers State should shun this year’s Workers Day celebration in protest of the emergency rule imposed on the state by the Federal Government, led by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
Addressing the workers, the Administrator of the Council, Dr Gloria Obo-Dibia charged them to remain apolitical in the discharge of their duties. She assured that in no distant time she would rebuild the secretariat that was burnt down at the heat of the political crisis in the State.
The Administrator further tasked the workers to redouble their commitment to duty, promising to do everything possible within her powers to make them comfortable and happy while carrying out their duties.
The LGA Sole Administrator said, “I salute you, the workers of Eleme Local Government Area for your steadfastness and commitment to duties.
“I acknowledge the challenges facing you, especially in the area of infrastructure. I assure you that within the shortest possible time, I will rebuild your Secretariat.
“Please remain apolitical and focus on your core responsibilities.”
In his remarks, the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Chairman in the Area, Comrade Minii Gospel thanked the Administrator for making the May Day celebration possible and thanked his members for trooping out in their numbers to mark the event.
He stressed that workers produce the wealth of the country, hence the need to celebrate them.
The NULGE Chairman thanked the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Isaac Saloka for honouring their invitation despite the short notice, wishing him well in all his endeavours.
Earlier in his speech, the Chairman of the occasion, Saloka commended the council workers for their dedication to duty, urging them to continue fighting for their legitimate rights as a pressure group.
He said government has recently improved workers’ salaries, hence the need for them to take their job more seriously.
The chairman wished the workers a happy celebration.
The NLC had through its Deputy National Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello written a strong worded letter to its Rivers State Chapter barring them from participating in this year’s May Day Rally. The circular instead directed the workers to stage a protest against the current emergency rule in the state.
