Protest: NPopC assures workers of improved welfare
Protest: NPopC assures workers of improved welfare
NAN-HG-6
Protest
By Chinenye Offor
Abuja, Jan. 12, 2017 (NAN) Mr Eze Duruiheoma, the Chairman National Population Commission (NPopC) has assured aggrieved workers of the commission of improved welfare.
Duruiheoma told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday that NPopC is adopting appropriate measures to resolve the issues raised by the protesting members of staff.
According to him, the matter has been taken to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as decided by the board of the commission.
The chairman said that the SGF have directed that NPopC should present a formal notice to the SGF and copy the Federal Ministry of Labour for action.
Duruiheoma described the situation as unfortunate, saying the commission is guided by public service rules.
“It is a legitimate right of members of staff to protest, but the way it is carried out is what matters and so far the members of staff have been operating in a civilised manner.
“At the moment there is peace and orderliness in the office and it will be too prejudicial to comment on the members of staff grievances.
“Becauseduring negotiations you must have an open mind so as not to make prejudicial remarks that will deter peace.
“The board members do not have anything against the Director-General, Ghaji Bello, but the members of staff have the right to air their grievances,” he said.
On her part, the President of the workers union in NPopC, Mrs Rita Agaba, said that her members would continue to protest until the government reverses the reappointment of the director-general.
She said that the gate of the office would remain locked except the federal government addresses their demand for the replacement of the director-general and other sundry welfare issues.
NAN recalls that the NPopC workers on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest against the reappointment of the director-general and demanded for the payment of their outstanding staff claims. (NAN)
CSO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola