By Iyalla Adaye
Port Harcourt
Rivers state Local Government Service Commission has appealed to the state branch of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to shelve its planned industrial action.
Acting Chairman of the Commission, Engr. Kingston Idatonye Jaja, made the appeal in Port Harcourt during a meeting with Heads of Local Government Administration of the 23 local government areas.
Jaja said the appeal became necessary in view of the fact that the current leadership of the Commission had just been informed about the strike.
He told the NULGE leadership that the Commission would do everything within its power to address the issues raised by the union.
Jaja advised the Heads of Local Government Administration to take firm charge of their various local governments and exhibit exemplary conduct.
“Do not succumb to pressures from the political class to take wrong decisions, as civil servants, your actions would either make or mar the Local Government existence.
“You are the eyes of the Commission which places greater responsibility on your shoulders and so you should always consult with the Commission on issues that are likely to create confusion in the state.”
Earlier, in his response, the state President of NULGE, Barrister Franklin Ajunwo, told the Commission that the union would embark on strike a result of non-remittance of check-off-dues, non-implementation of the N18, 000 minimum wages and payment of out of station allowances by 18 local government areas.
