May Day: Senate commends workers for patriotic zeal to nation building

The Senate on Wednesday in Abuja saluted Nigerian workers for their patriotic zeal and contributions to the nation building as they celebrate May Day on May 1.
The Senate resolution was sequel to a motion by Senator Awaisu Kuta (PDP-Niger) calling for the commendation of the Nigerian workers for their sacrifices to the stability and progress of the nation.
Kuta said that the country had continued to benefit from the “toil and sweat” of the Nigerian workers who were making tremendous contributions to economic development.
He said: “The Nigerian worker has been making serious sacrifices, toiling for the economic progress of the country.
“They have contributed significantly to keep our economy afloat.
“Their contributions to nation-building are equally immense.
“Therefore, we should commend them for their sacrifice to the nation.”
Senator Ita Enang (PDP-Akwa) urged workers to give thought to the welfare of those Nigerians who were currently unemployed.
“When workers are struggling for their welfare, they should also consider the welfare of those who are not employed,” Enang said.
Senator Chris Anyanwu (APGA-Imo) appealed to her colleagues to fast track the passage of the Occupational Safety Bill, which would go a long way in promoting the safety in the work place.
Anyanwu said: “This bill would give protection to the worker by providing those measures and facilities for their safety in the work place.
“The bill has been passed in the Senate, but I want us to implore the House of Representatives to do something in that direction, so that we can harmonise the bill.”
In a remark, the Senate President, Senator David Mark, said Nigerian workers deserved commendation for their patriotism while operating under difficult environment.
Mark urged Nigerian workers not to relent in their contributions to national progress, and promised that the National Assembly would use their legislative instruments to improve their welfare.
Mark said: “We thank Nigerian workers because they are doing their best in a rather difficult environment and under difficult circumstances.
“We have a major responsibility to ensure that we create an environment conducive for them to work by the laws that we make and the motions that we take on the floor here.
“I assure the workers on behalf of all of us that their welfare and their wellbeing are of utmost importance to us and we take it as a priority.
“We should open a channel of communication between us and the workers.
“We wish them a happy May Day.”
Meanwhile, Senator Emmanuel Bwacha (PDP-Taraba), has appealed to the Federal Government to establish a military barracks in Wukari to help secure lives and property in the area.
Bwacha, who raised the matter through a Point of Order, told the senators that reports from the area indicated that a helicopter was seen dropping materials and personnel in the area.
He said urgent security measures should be put in place to dislodge the alleged attackers before they set up a base in the area.
He said: “I will appeal to Mr. President that a barracks should be established in this same flash point, Wukari in particular, so that this will safeguard lives and property.
“It is believed that a helicopter is dropping materials and personnel around there and we fear that this may be another Sambisa that is in the making in Taraba.”
Bwacha appealed to President Goodluck Jonathan to take urgent action on the recent resolution by the Taraba State House of Assembly for the Federal Government to take over the security of the state.