Bayelsa workers elect new NLC leadership

By Akam James, Yenagoa

Workers in Bayelsa state under the National Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday, re-elected the immediate past Chairman of the union, Comrade Ndiumo Dinipre John and other new members of the state executive committee. 

Comrade Ndiumo defeated his only opponent, Comrade Selepreye Koin with 293 votes to 75 votes with 23 as voided votes. 

The election which took place at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre had 392 delegates in attendance.

The re-elected chairman in his acceptance speech commended workers in the state for giving him another chance to lead them, adding that he will be stronger than his first tenure. 

He noted that even when some workers thought he hadn’t done anything tangible in his first four years, but with their continued support he was determined to do more, adding that election period is over it was now time to move the state forward.

“Thank you all for giving me a second chance; I will be stronger in this second tenure. Even when some persons thought I didn’t do anything, with your support I will do more. Elections are over; let’s work together in unity so that we can achieve more,” Dinipre said.

In his brief, the elected Vice Chairman, Comrade James Agama, commended the people for their support, adding that they will engage the government more in a peaceful manner for the welfare and benefit of all workers. 

He noted that the victory is for all Bayelsa workers, including retirees, adding that negotiations with government will be more knowledge -based and strategic and not through protest.