The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), River State council has congratulated Mr. Chris O. Ezike the new Commissioner of Police in the state.
In a letter addressed to the new CP by Comrade Hyginus Chika Onuegbu, the State Chairman and Comrade Jonas Okere ,Secretary,TUC said “ We would like to assure you of the readiness of our State Council and indeed all the workers in Rivers State to collaborate with you towards the improvement in the security of lives and properties in Rivers State.
“ As you are aware, Rivers State is the treasure base of the nation and the centre of oil and gas operation in Nigeria. Unfortunately, the spate of criminality: namely kidnapping; armed robbery; Oil theft and Pipeline vandalism; and wanton destruction of lives and property has reached an unprecedented level in the state. Many workers and residents of the State have been kidnapped, killed, attacked and maimed with impunity in recent times without any effective action by the security agents to curb this ugly trend. The situation is so bad that many of my members now live in fear and are actively seeking for transfers out of Rivers State. Also worrisome is the unwarranted attacks on the secretariat and leadership of labour unions in Rivers state.
However the letter said further “ In view of the above, Congress hereby notifies you that if by 14 days from the date of this letter, we do not see any significant reduction in the aforementioned criminal activities in Rivers State, we shall call an emergency State Council meeting and where the Council so approves, withdraw our members from work in self defense, pending when we consider it safe for them to go/return back to work.
“ It is our fervent prayer that you give serious attention to our pleadings in this letter in the interest of the people and workers of Rivers State who depend on your State Command for the protection of their lives and property as they go about their lawful businesses.
“ We thank you and look forward to harmonious working relationship with your administration” TUC leaders said
