By David Owei, Bayelsa

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has said foremost Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Kiagbodo Clark who just passed would be remembered for his uncommon courage, truthfulness and doggedness in fighting for the common good of the Niger Delta.

Gov. Fubara who received the news of Chief Clark’s passing early Tuesday was in Yenagoa as a guest to his Bayelsa state counterpart, Governor Duoye Diri, to commission the Labour House built by the State.

The Rivers state governor in a solemn message reflected on the biblical admonition of numbering our days saying the minute silence observed in honour of Chief Clark who just passed, was to remember him as a hero of the region.

To his brother governor, Sir Fubara, satisfied with his governance stewardship said, “Continue to stand for something and I can see that you are standing for what is right.

“That is what history will remember you for and history won’t be kind to anyone involved in any destructive things. Money or material things cannot be equated to good name. So, my senior brother continue to do what is right, history and the good people of Bayelsa will continue to remember you for those good things.”

Reflecting on the value of the Labour House for strengthening government and labour relations, Gov. Fubara stated thus, “I wasn’t surprised when I was invited. My brother governor and I are one. No difference between Bayelsa and Rivers. He stressed that the frosty relationship between the two States in the recent past has been resolved out of court and they are mutually working as sister States.

He emphasised that his government is truly one that appreciates Labour and enjoys industrial harmony in Rivers State, adding that whatever the issues were with Labour are always resolved amicably. According to him, “It is not because we are meeting all their needs but because we are putting human face to governance.”

To Labour he cautioned, “It (government built Labour House) is not your right but a privilege and when that is respected, you embrace it with your two hands and with your heart.

“So don’t allow anybody to come between you and the government. Who suffers if there is no peace, it is you my primary constituency that will be at the losing end if there is no harmony.

He expressed happiness over the cordial relationship existing between Labour and the government of Bayelsa State, and added that he is not encouraging them to be rubber stamps but should not be negative in their demands, which will enable the government to continue to give the people good governance.

Reflecting on the motivation for the project, Governor Diri said the Yenagoa Labour House, is symbolic as it marks a critical part of governance as industrial harmony and peace enables government to work.

“I appreciate the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress for promoting peace in Bayelsa State. They have from day one resorted only to dialogue and when there are issues we resolve them.

He said when his administration was told about the project initiated by the previous government, he wasted no time to take it over and ensure that the building was completed.

On the choice of Gov. Fubara to unveil the project, Gov. Diri said, “We equally looked through and the only governor who has been a civil servant and understands Labour, worked as a civil servant to the peak of his career and who today is governor of Rivers.

“We felt there will be no other person suitable for this commissioning than the Gov. Siminalayi Fubara who loves workers and ensures industrial peace in Rivers State.” he noted.

On his part, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Hon.Odoko Saturday Omiloli thanked Gov. Douye Diri for completing the building which is to serve as a one-stop labour resource centre, assuring that with the edifice there will continue to be industrial harmony in the State.

In a joint address by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress presented on their behalf by Comrade Austin Jonah, said the building is a clear demonstration of Gov. Douye Diri’s commitment to workers welfare and industrial harmony in the State and commended him for the gesture, assuring of their continued support.