Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State, Prof. James Okoroma has advised Governor Hope Uzodimma to handle relationship with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), with tact and mutual respect to ensure Industrial harmony in the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Okoroma, which was made available to LEADERSHIP.
He condemned the alleged attack on workers in the state, which was said to have led to the latest conflict between organised labour and the state government.
Okoroma noted that constant conflict between the Imo state government and the NLC is retarding the development of the state as , according to him, ” there cannot be development without industrial peace”.
He decried what he called “conflicts on all fronts ‘ in Imo State and advised the governor to run an all-inclusive government in order to ensure harmony with all stakeholders in the state.
According to him, “Imo State is bleeding and does not require further damage on its economy”, adding that insecurity had already damaged the economy of the state.
He insisted that “lack of harmony between labour and the Imo State government would further do incalculable harm to all sectors of the Imo State economy.”
The erudite scholar promised to bring in the NLC as a development partner once elected governor in the November 11 governorship election in the state.
He described Imo as already “a killing field” where human blood is spilled every day and no meaningful economic activity can take place.
The governorship hopeful lamented that investors were already running away from Imo State because of insecurity, adding that perennial conflicts with labour unions would worsen the state’s economic condition.
He observed that lack of constructive engagement with labour had become a major hindrance to development and peace in Imo State.
The NLC decided to shut down the state following allegations that thugs hired by the state government attacked workers during the recently-held May day celebrations.