Comrade Anderson Omuruka, the chairman of the National Union of Hotels and Personal Services (NUHPSW), Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt chapter, the umbrella body of junior workers, has expressed displeasure over the mounting propaganda against the candidature of Hon. Chibuike Amaechi who is flying the flag of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the April governorship elections in Rivers State.
He, therefore, appealed to governorship aspirants on the party’s platform who are suspected to be masterminding the propaganda and campaign of calumny to have a re-think and concede victory to the party’s flag bearer.
According to him, the aspirants should not see the race for the Brick House as a do or die affair.
He explained that Amaechi emerged as the party’s candidate during the December 9, 2006 governorship primaries by the grace of God and not because he was the best.
Omuruka who made the assertions in this encounter amidst other issues also appealed to the PDP governorship aspirants to take the development in good faith.
Hear him: “I think Amaechi’s choice is divine because it is God who gives power. We have to appreciate God first. For those who lost the governorship primaries, they should see it as a family affair. It is not as if Amaechi is the best but it is God that made his choice possible. The aspirants should take this in good faith.”
The fair complexioned labour leader equally explained that Amaechi’s emergence as the PDP flag bearer was a reward for loyalty and selfless and dedicated service to the people.
“Amaechi is a very gentle, good youngman. Even as speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, he shows concern to people’s problems. He has also been loyal to the PDP and to the governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili. His choice is well-deserved,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that if elected governor, Amaechi would continue the good works of the Odili administration in the areas of provision of good roads, health services and potable drinking water among others.
“We have a lot to benefit. He will continue from where his master will stop. He will continue with the provision of good roads, water, health and so many other things. Amaechi will also ensure that PDP as a political party works as a team,” he said.
Omuruka who hails from Omuanwa community in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State explained that it would be a thing of delight if Amaechi finally breaks the political jinx and emerge as the first Ikwerre man to be elected the governor of the state since its creation in 1967.
According to him, the election of Amaechi would attract more goodies to Ikwerre land.
“As an Ikwerre man, I am happy because I know that Amaechi will set a pace of development. The Ikwerre people will also enjoy his tenure because he would attract even development to their area,” he stated.
He further posited that Amaechi had even used his position of speaker to attract amenities like good roads and electricity to some parts of Ikwerre land.
Hear him: “Amaechi has tried for the people. For example, I can now easily travel to my community. The Isiokpo-Omerelu road is now in perfect condition. There is now light in my community.”
On the kind of support he would give to the speaker as a way of appreciating the good things he (Amaechi) had done for his people, Omuruka said: “My union is totally behind his candidature. We control over 400 workers of the hotel. They will give Amaechi their support. As a government-owned hotel, the workers will give him massive support and votes.”
When he was asked to advise the speaker in the light of mounting pressure and propaganda to scuttle his governorship ambition, the NUHPSW chairman chuckled: “If elected governor, he should carry everybody along and not to see anybody that contested with him as an enemy.”
Commenting on the on-going voters revalidation exercise in the state, Omuruka said the use of electronic machines for the exercise was a good development as it would go a long way to check the rigging of elections in the country.
“Those who have not registered should do so to enable them exercise their franchise during the forthcoming general elections,” he pleaded.
On the expectations of workers of Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt for the year 2007, the union chairman assured them that NUHPSW would continue to fight for their rights and benefits.
“I advise the workers to work harder and sustain the tempo of progress recorded in 2006. This is because they should know that this is where they are earning their livelihood. They should ensure that this hotel business continues to grow from strength to strength”, he pleaded.
He, however, used the opportunity to commend management of the hotel for meeting the yearnings and expectations of the workers particularly in payment of salaries, service charge and other benefits.
“We hope that the management led by Mr Panos Panayis will continue to do the good work particularly as the union is co-operating to ensure that there is total peace in the work environment,” he said.
