INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY From Her Excellency, Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike

INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY: MAY 1, 2016.

International Worker's Day also known as Labour Day is a day mapped out for the  celebration of efforts of labourers and the working class. May 1st was chosen to be an international worker's day in order to commemorate the 4th May, 1886 Haymarket affair in Chicago. It happened that the Police
were trying to disperse a public assembly during a general strike for the 8th hour work day when an unidentified person threw a bomb at the Police. The Police responded by firing on the workers thereby killing four demonstrators.

The infrastructure and character of every country in the world was  built on the back of labourers and workers who endured harsh conditions and low pay in order to build a society that would flourish. In Nigeria, the historical development of our nation is closely linked to the history of the Trade Union Movement. The recognition of the Nigeria Civil Service by the British Colonial Government as the first trade union in the Nation in 1912 set the pace for worker's rights awareness.

The bravery and principled agitation that manifested in the 'Aba Women Riot' of 1929, the Coal Miners strike of 1949 and several other workers action started the legitimate demands for economic justice. Also, by pioneering organized rallying points for mass interest through workers unions, workers have strengthened the nationalist struggle for independence and provided the bedrock for a national labour platform which today represents the Nigerian Labour Congress.

The Nigerian worker is not only an important part of our history but a pivot of our past, present and future. They have played significant roles in deepening and developing the essence of democracy in our nation.  My husband, His Excellency, Chief Nyesom  Ezebunwo Wike's administration is committed to the enhancement of the welfare of the workers of our dear State both in the public and private sectors,  through infrastructural development and equipping of our health, educational and power sectors.

Providing good conditions of service, ensuring the independence of the judiciary in administration of justice, prompt payment of salaries, pension, gratuity and other allowances, revamping the ailing industrial establishments for job and wealth creation and empowerment of the teeming unemployed young men and women in our dear Rivers State  through skills acquisition schemes is a priority today. I sincerely urge us to give our dear Governor, all the support he needs irrespective of our beliefs for a better Rivers State.

To the dedicated and committed Teacher's Union of our State, that  selflessly toil night and day just to lay the right foundation for our children as future leaders, to the unalloyed contributions and commitments of the civil servants and indeed, the sacrifice and solidarity of so many other workers that have immensely contributed and continue to contribute to the peace, growth and development of our dear State and Nation at large, I salute you all.

Your service, dedication and contribution will never be in vain and I will continuously pray as  the mother of our dear State, for God's blessings  in your lives and families. I wish all workers (myself inclusive), a beautiful Worker's  Day celebration!

God bless and keep you and your families.

From Her Excellency,
Hon. Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike,
The Wife of His Excellency,
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON,
The Governor of Rivers State.