On Saturday, we got news of the policy state of the Governor of Rivers State, (represented by his Deputy, Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo) wherein he lifted embargo on employment in the institution that hosted him to a Convocation ceremony, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In as much as we would commend the governor for making the pronouncement, we also quickly would note with utmost importance that the state falls short of the expectation of teaming unemployed youths in the state.
Maybe, this is coming following our earlier letter to His Excellency, detailing the reasons he should created 60,000 jobs for the state to reduce the threatening level of unemployment, or expect us take over the streets of Rivers State in protest. This move by the governor is below the bar and it is unacceptable.
What we want is that embargo on employment should be lifted in all sectors of the state. This would in turn boost the economy of the state.
Declaring to employ people in Ignatius Ajuru University, the questions now are, how many persons will be employed? What then happens to other sectors? Why did he not then lift embargo on employment in all sectors of the state if he was sincere to create jobs?
We feel that the governor is neck deep in taking the people of Rivers State for granted. Why is he always giving kangaroo employment? Let’s believe it will really happen as said, but at the end of the day if you carryout investigation, you will find out that most of the persons that will be opportune to get this job will be people from Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. We are not saying Obio/Akpor should not benefit, but they have benefitted enough. If the governor wants to give jobs he should give attention to other LGAs.
Lifting embargo should not just be for the said university alone. We requested for 60,000 jobs, the pronouncement will only provide for less than 10% of the required number of expected employment needed.
We are urging the governor to lift employment embargo in all sectors of the state. This will even increase more of the required 60,000 jobs. We want the governor to be sincere and committed to the people of Rivers State,If he means well for the people of Rivers State, he should take steps to give employment. We insisted that 60,000 jobs should be created, anything short of that will not be acceptable.
Sign
Comrade Saviour Oscar Imeabe
National President, SSYI
