Emmanuel Awari, Jalingo
The former State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mark Magaji, has expressed concern over the manner with which Taraba State Government engages retired workers on contract appointment after their retirement from active service, thereby depriving others of benefiting their positions.
He disclosed this in a goodwill message during the Workers Day in Jalingo, the state capital.
“Some workers have served the state in various capacities up to their retirement age, why is the state government bringing them back into service, leaving those that are qualified to handle the positions?
“We don’t want contract appointment any longer. Those that are due for retirement should go, so as to create chance for others to rise and occupy their positions.
“They should go so that the younger ones can grow.
On his part, the State Chairman of Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Sule Albasu ,urged Taraba State Government to release the list of 1,600 graduates employed base on the One hundred and sixty wards across the state.
“I want to use the forum to appreciate the state government for prompt payment of monthly pension to retired civil servants. Also, I want to appeal to the state government to improve on the payment of gratuity of pensioners to alleviate their sufferings.
He expressed dismay that in the last two years, workers have been going through hardship due to the high cost of commodities in the market and call on government to as a matter of urgency address the problem in the interest of industrial harmony.
He expresses concern over the alarming rate of insecurity in the state.
“Infact the wave of kidnapping for ransom and killings are alarming. The organise labour is calling with strong voice on government, especially the incoming governor-elect to use his erstwhile military experience to curb this menace in the state before it sinks us into abyss.”
He also expresses concern over the present state of the Educational sector, especially the Tertiary institutions, particularly the state university, were half- baked graduates were produce and sent to the labour market, at the end, they can’t defend their certificates.
“We are calling on government, especially Governor elect to take into cognisance when mantle of leadership of the state is giving to him come 29th May 2023, therefore, we call on the state government to rise to the occasion so as to stop this menace.”
He used the forum to salute workers on their resilience and appreciate them, adding that with collective will and sense of responsibility as a team, they will succeed at the end of it all.