Bayelsa chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) says Douye Diri and Babajide Sanwo-Olu are the best workers-friendly governors in Nigeria.

“Let me say that the government of Senator Douye Diri is the friendliest government in the federation. I think the only state that is head to head with Bayelsa is Lagos state,” TUC chairman, Laye Julius, gave the commendation on Wednesday at its maiden public lecture and award night in Yenagoa.

The TUC leader added, “There are governors that are good because of some physical projects they carried out, but the primary need of man is food, clothing and shelter. If you deny the civil servant his wage morally, psychological, you have killed him.”

According to Mr Julius, some governors since 2011 have not promoted workers in the civil service.

“Those states don’t pay gratuities. We also know of states that are sacking workers in thousands. NLC has gone to protest, but nothing has come of such protests. This state is not only paying workers as and when due, but gratuities are being paid monthly to retirees, which other states are not paying,” Mr Julius explained. “So, I want to thank him in spite of the few criticisms from people who do not mean well for the state and to encourage him to continue to do more for the workers.”

The TUC leader also noted that “once an economy has a workforce that is well-paid, then there is a market and if an investor comes he is sure there are people who have money in their pockets to buy and when they buy taxation also increases.”

Mr Julius further stated that TUC organised the lecture to enlighten members and Bayelsans in their roles in boosting the internally generated revenue and making the state prosperous.

He noted the dwindling revenue accruing to the federal government necessitating the government to borrow to fund the budget, the controversies surrounding VAT collection.

(NAN)