Nigerian Labour Congress Reacts To Allegations Of Corruption Made By Rivers Ex-Head of Service Nwaeke
In a statement addressing Nwaeke’s press release, the NLC clarified its position, emphasising that it is a non-partisan organisation solely focused on defending the rights and interests of workers in the state and across Nigeria.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State Chapter has firmly rejected the recent allegations of bias made by George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of Rivers State, calling his claims “baseless” and “misleading.”
It denied that the NLC State Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, had held private meetings with Governor Siminalayi Fubara and received financial inducements.
In a statement addressing Nwaeke’s press release, the NLC clarified its position, emphasising that it is a non-partisan organisation solely focused on defending the rights and interests of workers in the state and across Nigeria.
The NLC leadership said, “Under the stewardship of the State Chairman, it has consistently acted in the best interest of workers, avoiding any political influence or bias.”
Nwaeke had claimed that the NLC Chairman had been involved in private meetings with the state governor and was allegedly receiving financial inducements. However, the NLC categorically denied these accusations, calling them “false and defamatory.”
The labour union stated that such allegations were an attempt to discredit the Labour movement and divert attention from more pressing issues affecting the state.
The NLC also “reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards and transparency, noting that it has always engaged with the government on legitimate labour matters, such as workers’ welfare, salary payments, and improved working conditions.”
Expressing disappointment at Nwaeke’s remarks, the NLC stated that “it remains an advocate for good governance, stability, and the rule of law. The organisation also addressed the ongoing national discussion on the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, reaffirming that it will continue to prioritise the welfare of workers and the citizens of the state over political concerns.”
The NLC called on Nwaeke and other political figures to refrain from involving the union in political disputes, stressing that its primary responsibility is to workers and that it will not be swayed by political pressures.
“We urge Nwaeke and other political actors to refrain from dragging the NLC and its leadership into their political battles,” the statement concluded.
“The NLC will not be intimidated or coerced into taking sides in political disputes. Our primary responsibility is to the workers, and we will continue to champion their cause with integrity and accountability.”
The crisis rocking Rivers State has continued to take different turns with new accusations levelled by the HoS who resigned recently.
