Pay more attention to health, education, TUC tells Diri

The Chairman of Trade Union Congress in Bayelsa State, Julius Laye, has called on the Governor DouyeDiri-led government to do more in spite of its achievements in several sectors of the economy.

Laye particularly mentioned the ongoing construction of roads, the acquisition of two aircrafts, gas turbines, construction of the nine-storey state secretariat building and offsetting of gratuities to retired local council workers amongst others.

But, he said the government should employ staff in the health sector to replace retiring staff otherwise, a situation would arise where there would be no staff to handle the facilities.

His words: “For me, I’m interested in the area that affects us even though I know that roads construction are going on. We have also been told that two carriers are coming in and then the gas turbines.

So, in addition to those ones, just close to my window, the nine storey secretariat building is ongoing, salaries are paid as at when due and local government gratuities have been offset.

“They have offset that one and we are working towards seeing that of the state own too, which initially was N27 billion, and now has come down to N12 billion.

“So, after these areas, I will also emphasise that more attention should be paid to education and health, even though they are doing well in those areas.

Civil Service Commission has employed, Post Primary Schools Board has employed, but I think that Hospitals Management Board has not employed for long.

“I talked with the commissioner that you have people retiring every month and every year, so if you don’t replace them, you have the facilities and the workforce is not there, you might not have the end result.

“So, with those ones, I will say fair enough, but more needs to be done.”

When reached for comment, the Assistant Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress in Bayelsa State, Mr. Zuokumor said he would not want to say anything on the issue.

Zuokumor said: “I wouldn’t want to delve into that right now.”

The State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress in Bayelsa State, Comrade Barnabas Simon could not be reached for comment as he did not pick his calls.