TARABA LOCAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES ELECT NEW LEADERS
By Mohammed Tikka
The National Association of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Taraba State have elected new leaders at its 8th Quadrennial State Delegates Conference.
The election that was held at the Jolly Nyame stadium Jalingo on Wednesday produced Comrade Bajo Wakili Damuga, as the new state president elect and Comrade Yakubu Tanko Burba, as a deputy state president.
Others include Abba Mani, Treasurer; Victoria James Auta, Women Chairperson; Musa Ahmad Alkali and Comrade Abeh, as Auditors; Sani Abdullahi, Publicity Secretary. Comrade Khaleel and Comrade Bako as Trustees while Comrade Hamman Dikko returned as Young worker representative.
The chairman of the electoral committee and returning officer of the election, Mr Ajewole Ayodele, who is the Deputy General Secretary of the Union, while announcing the result, said Comrade Baju Wakili Damuga, scored one hundred and fifty eight (158) votes, to defeat his opponent comrade Daniel Maigoge who scored only one (1) vote.
In his acceptance speech, the President elect, appreciated the National President of the Union, for the success of the occasion and also thanked the delegates for the confidence they have in him and promised to carry them along in the discharge of his duties.
He further acknowledged the tasks and the responsibilities reposed on him and assured the delegates that his administration will move the state’s Nulge to greater high.
Also in his speech, the National President of the union, Comrade Ambali Akeem Olatunji, congratulated the new executives and said Damuga’s victory indicated the full confidence of local government workers on his ability to lead them.
He further commended the state Governor, His Excellency Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his non discriminatory approach to workers welfare, by treating local government workers well in public service of Taraba State, he as well applauded the effort of the Governor in the implementation of the 30,000 naira, national minimum wage for the workers in the state and also on his intention to pay arrears of 6 months salary owed by the local government staff.
The National President also commended Governor Agbu for appointing the former state President, Comrade Moseh Luka as one of his commissioners and said it was an indication that the Governor is with the union and always ready to work with the union.
Comrade Ambali, thanked the Governor for all the efforts he has been putting and reiterated his commitment to work with him when ever the need arises.
He appealed to Governor Agbu Kefas to fund the Local Government Service Commission properly, so that the rates of productivity in the Local Government can improve, while stressing further that funding of Local Government alone without human capital development and productivity cannot be enhanced.
“First of all, I want to commend the Governor of the state Dr. Agbu Kefas, for his non discriminatory approach in tackling workers welfare in the state and I must also commend him for the implementation of the 30,000 naira national minimum wage and for his good intentions to pay the 6 months salary arrears owed by the local government staff.
“Also i thank him sincerely for the inclusion of one of us, the former state president, Comrade Moseh Luka, in his cabinet, this is an indication to show that the Governor is with us, I am appealing to His Excellency to fund the Local Government Service Commission in other to improve the rates of productivity in the 3rd tier of government in the state” he said.
