Akwa Ibom NLC Inaugurates Political Committee Across 31 LGAs
By Ekemini Simon
The Akwa Ibom chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has constituted a political committee to sensitise, mobilise, educate and encourage workers in the state to be involved in mainstream politics ahead of the 2023 general elections.
The State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Sunny James inaugurated the 64 officers across the 31 local government areas of the State on Wednesday in Uyo.
The committee made up of retired Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Ministries among other renowned unionists is chaired by Comrade Ekpenyong Esuk, a veteran Journalist.
The Chairman charged the committee to rise up to the occasion and mobilise workers across the state to fully participate in politics, saying the move was a follow-up to the directive of the national secretariat of the NLC.
James, who said that the political committee will further be inaugurated at the unit and ward level with membership across political parties, pointed out that members would ensure that only candidates that love the workers would be supported by workers.
He noted that gone were the days when workers would support a candidate and immediately elections are won, workers become people.
“The committee will critically assess all the aspirants and ensure that only those that have the interest of workers at heart and will not renege will be supported.
“We have to rise up and vote for credible candidates at all levels. We will set another time to interact and interrogate gubernatorial candidates for us to hear their party and individual manifesto.
“We will present the workers’ Charter of Demands. Who buys into it will be our gubernatorial candidate.”
The Chairman urged members to get their Permanent Voters Card so that their wish would count during elections.
In response, the Chairman of the Committee, Comrade Ekpenyong Esuk thanked the leadership of NLC for the confidence reposed in him. He assured that he will work strictly with the mandate given to him thus ensuring that at the end, those that emerge victorious at the general elections are those who got a mandate from Akwa Ibom workers.
In his remarks, the Chairman on the Occasion, Prof. Des Wilson commended the NLC for the initiative.
He said the realities of the time has made it imperative for anyone, especially workers who desire a positive change to be involved in the 2023 election process.
Wilson added “What we have today are rulers and not leaders. We need to evaluate what we have been doing. If we continue to do what we have been doing over time without result, will we wait to be buried before we change? This is time for stock taking.
“Whatever you are doing today is not just for yourself but your children. Take action so that your future can be brighter. We are in a situation where things are progressively deteriorating. Irrespective of who the party contestants are and you know they won’t change things positively, please, do not vote for them”.
On his part, the Special Adviser, Bureau of Political and Social Re-orientation, Mr. Amanam Nkanga commended the NLC for the initiative.
He said since the 2023 elections will be a very important one, it was vital workers get their PVC and also probe candidates before lending their support.