By Mfonobong Ukpong
Workers in the state and local government system play vital role in the successful execution of the development agenda of any government.
Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Onofiok Luke, made the observation, Wednesday while addressing executive of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Akwa Ibom State chapter when they paid a courtesy visit on the Speaker at the House of Assembly complex.
He noted that without the supporting role of parliamentary staff, the legislature would not be able to perform it's legislative functions effectively.
He said it is the desire of members of the sixth House of Assembly to effectively use their office for the betterment of the lot of the people whom they represent.
"We have a mindset of leaders that would not shy away from their responsibilities. We want a positive history for the period we have opportunity to serve our people in Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly''.
Barr. Luke particularly hailed local government employees in the state for being supportive of the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration, and urged their umbrella union, NULGE to always endeavor to explore all avenues of negotiation with government in the course of advancing for the rights of workers.
He made a case for regular interface between members of the union and the House of Assembly in the spirit of the legislative- labour parley which the current Assembly has introduced as part of it's legislative agenda.
The Speaker enjoined them to continue to support the government of the day, assuring that pending issues relating to welfare of local government workers is being addressed.
He advised them to appreciate the efforts of the government in clearing some arrears of their entitlement, assuring that what ever is remaining will be addressed as situation improves.
Earlier, the State Chairman of NULGE, Comrade Anestina Iweh, in her speech, commended the Speaker for his leadership qualities, noting that the prevailing peaceful atmosphere in the legislature was as a result of effective control exerted on the Assembly by the leadership.
She traced this to the experience gathered over time by Barr. Luke from his days as student union leader, and Speaker Nigerian Youths Parliament.
She assured that NULGE in Akwa Ibom is in solidarity with the leadership of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.
"Mr. Speaker was properly and profoundly groomed and moulded for this job and this is why there is so much peace in the House of Assembly due to the effective control you have exerted herein"
She intimated the Speaker on some of the issues confronting members of union, urging the legislature to intervene.
Some of the matters raised by the NULGE boss include, autonomy for local government councils, Internally generated revenue in local government areas, 2012 and 2013 leave grants allegedly paid to few councils among other issues of concern to the union.
Accompanying the State NULGE executive where branch Chairmen of the union from the 31 local government councils.
Some members of the House where in attendance during the meeting.
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