2019: Focus on issue-based campaigns, TUC tells politicians

The Bayelsa chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns that will project the image of the country ahead of the 2019 general elections. The State Chairman of the TUC, Mr Tari Dounana, gave the advice in Yenagoa on Friday at the closing ceremony of the 2018 seminar organised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), Bayelsa chapter. Dounana, who is also the Chairman of ASCSN in the state, said focusing on issue-based campaigns would ensure peaceful and violence-free polls in 2019. “I wish to advise political gladiators and parties to focus on issue-based campaigns that will turn around the fortunes of the citizens and the country in general. “To all workers, we must vote for the candidates of our choice and ensure that our votes count,” he said. The theme of the seminar was “Industrial Harmony and Leadership Innovation as Tools for Public Service Growth.’’ Dounana also stressed the need to enlighten civil servants on the need for quality service delivery. The chairman said more than 120 civil servants from various MDAs in the state, who participated in the programme, were trained on capacity building. Dounana stressed the need to promote industrial harmony between employers and employees across the country. The member representing Yenagoa Constituency II in the state House of Assembly, Mrs Ebiuwou Obiyai, said the importance of capacity building in public service growth could not be over emphasised. The lawmaker stressed the need for employers and employees to respect civil service rules in order to achieve the desired industrial harmony. According to her, a harmonious relationship will go a long way in improving the state and national economy.