BY CLETUS NGWODO
TRADE Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Delta State Chapter has elected a new executive to pilot its affairs for the next four years.
The election saw the emergence of Comrade Wilson Asekutu of PENGASSAN as Chairman. He was elected unopposed.
In his remarks, the National President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, who was represented by Comrade Oluchi- Favour Ubani, described the electoral process as a clear reflection of the maturity, discipline, and democratic strength of the TUC in Delta State.
He commended stakeholders for their shared determination to consolidate a stronger and more united TUC across all levels.
Also speaking, immediate past chairman of Delta TUC, Comrade Martin Bolum said its ‘rotational policy’ has created a sense of unity and peace.
“TUC is made up of different affiliatesand we all have the understanding that after one or two tenures, it moves to another affiliate, so that leadership goes round. The major affiliates are the ASCSN and PENGASSAN. So we rotate between the two and that gives an opportunity to rotate between the private and public sectors.”
He said tenure was able to grow the union to the level it has attained and urged the new leadership to sustain the tempo. “Some new affiliates came in, like the Law Officers Association, TOAN and others. Many of them joined as affiliates. So they should continue to grow so that we can get more affiliates and more participation”.
On his legacy, Comrade Bolum said he was leaving behind a peaceful union, just as he urged his successor to ensure that peace is maintained, while calling for negotiation with employers and government where necessary.
”We have established the fact that you don’t need to bang the table or fight to get what you want. Everything we asked for during these last three years, we were able to get. I want that to continue” he said.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chairman of TUC, Comrade Wilson Asekutu expressed gratitude to the workers for having faith in him and assured that he will not disappoint.
He said one of his key priorities is to build the capacity of members in line with current realities.
“Capacity building is very important for our members. We need to see how we can train and retrain and provide opportunities to develop our members to meet the evolving realities in the system, as well as the welfare of our members and to develop them because we are the engine room of every economy and we need to be realistic and do what is needed.”
To the best of my knowledge, we have a governor who is working and meeting the needs of our members. And every human being knows that human needs are insatiable. We will definitely demand what we can collaboratively do to sustain peace in this state and to see how the workforce can be encouraged to do more and do well. “Your concern should be to provide a conducive and safe working environment for our members to do the core work they are employed to do, as far as the state is concerned.”
Members of the new executive include Comrade Okafor Henry (secretary), Comrade Umoru Idowu (treasurer), Comrade Orhuerakpor Jude (assistant secretary), Comrade Moses Agware (Public Relations officer), Comrade Festus George (auditor), Comrade Leo Omoreigie (financial secretary), Comrade Blessing Ekpe (chairperson, TUC CWC) and Comrade Emeshili (secretary, TUC CWC).
Comrade Wilson Asekutu hails from Tsekelewu in Egbema kingdom, Warri North Local Government Area. Before his elevation to the chairmanship position, he served as a member of the PENGASSAN Warri Zonal Central Working Committee and also member of the National Executive Committee.
