The over 16, 000workers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday now have Interim executives to pilot the affairs of union activities in the commission.
The President of the association of Senior Civil Servants (ASCSN) Comrade Bobbio Bala Kaigama inaugurated the interim unit executive amidst opposition by the management after a court order by the National Industrial Court (NIC).
Speaking after the inauguration, Comrade Kaigama said employers of labour must see trade unions as partners in progress, instead of refusing workers to belong to the union of their choice.
He said for nine years, the commission refused the inauguration of union leadership, adding that the judgement of National Industrial Court put the matter for rest.
Comrade Kaigama further commended Chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, for the understanding on the need for the union inauguration, after nine years of struggling.
He said workers of the commission have been waiting for the executives to be in place in a bid to have a voice which has been denied them for so long.
The immediate past President of Trade Union Congress (TUC), also urged the new executive to operate in accordance with the rules and regulations and avoid unnecessary confrontation with the management of the commission.
“The struggle for this inauguration started nine years ago, we went to the National Industrial Court (NIC) and got a judgement in our favour to come for this inauguration.
“INEC is not a paramilitary but a core civil servant and should allow her workers to unionise. Trade unions are not trouble makers but partners in progress so employers of labour must see us as such not the other way round.
“So with the NIC judgement with a follow up with letters that we are here today for the inauguration. I urge all the exco members to do your job accordance to the rules and regulations without fear or favour”.
Also speaking, Chairperson of ASCSN, INEC unit, Comrade Vera O. Awoh, pledged to ensure the welfare of the 16, 000 workers in the commission became paramount.
She called for support amongst the members for a smooth tenure as the chairperson of the association in the commission.
Other executive memebers of the association are Comrade Abba Said A as vice Chairman, Adama Dan- Shuaib Secretary, Agbamoro Felicitas C. treasurer.
Others are Odike D. David Adah Ex-Officio, Adayilo D. Moses PRO and Adamu Ibrahim financial Secretary.
