National President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees,(NULGE), Comrade Akeem Ambali has endorsed the second term bid of the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.
He has therefore called on the local government workforce to support him for being a worker-friendly governor.
Comrade Ambali who made this known during NULGE Seventh Quadrennial Bayelsa Delegates Conference in Yenagoa, thanked God for the success of the event and commended the organisers for work well done.
While also appealing for the implementation of the New National Minimum wage for workers at the local government sector, purchase of befitting vehicle for the State President and rural allowance for staff, he poured encomiums on the Bayelsa helmsman for his developmental efforts in the state.
Responding, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo appreciated the NULGE National President for declaring support for the re-election of Governor Diri at this Saturday’s Governorship election.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo, represented by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Development, Comrade Gowon Toruyourei said the endorsement of Governor Diri is a testimony to the fact that the State Executive Committee of NULGE, Bayelsa State chapter is in constant touch with the National Secretariat of the Union on the good things the Prosperity Government is doing for workers.
He noted that aside promotion of staff, payment of arrears, gratuities and pensions as well as the reforms which have yielded positive results in the system, government in no distant time will implement the new minimum wage after compiling report on the recent biometric capturing exercise for staff.
Earlier, in a keynote address, outgoing President of NULGE, Bayelsa State Chapter, Comrade Akpos Ekiegha highlighted some of his achievements to include successful stoppage of downsizing six thousand workers, ensuring bailout funds came for payment of salary arrears and amnesty to workers on study leave.
Others are ensuring conduct of lingering promotions from 2014 to 2017, facilitation of appointment of local government staff as Permanent Secretaries and purchase of 15 plots of land and building of befitting NULGE International Guests House with 100 kV generator at Gbarantoru.
Comrade Ekiegha urged incoming executive to develop the courage to speak the truth and stand as ambassador of NULGE.