AN AFFILIATE OF TRADE UNION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (TUC)

ASCSN/EDO/VOL.X/1057

    10^th August 2009

Comrade Adams Oshiomhole

The Governor of Edo State

Government House

Benin City

Edo State

Dear Sir,

LETTER OF COMMENDATION

The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) presents its compliments to the Governor of Edo State, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and wishes to express profound happiness over some far-reaching decisions taken so far by the Governor to bring succour to Edo state residents.

2.  We have no doubt whatsoever that these progressive policies, some of which are highlighted hereunder, will have positive ripple effects in various states of the federation as we expect other state governments to follow suit and implement similar programmes.

3.  Sir, your decision to recruit 1,000 teachers, absorb those rejected by Bayelsa state government and more importantly to lift embargo on employment in Edo State in this era of global economic melt-down, will certainly boost public morale and inspire confidence in your government.

4. We are also thrilled by your decision that henceforth civil servants in Edo state can now rise to grade level 17 instead of being barred at grade level 16 while those who retire from civil service will receive their terminal benefits with their disengagement letters.

5.  We must also commend the government for setting aside N50 million monthly to settle outstanding pension arrears.  There is no doubt whatsoever that this policy option will reduce the pain and pang of pensioners who have served the state dutifully for several years.

6.  Comrade Governor, Sir, we are equally delighted by the gift of jeep vehicles you presented to some select trade unions in Edo State including the Chairman of the Trade Union  Congress of Nigeria (TUC).  Incidentally, the Chairman of the TUC in Edo State is also the Chairman of the Chapter of our Union in the State.  We believe that this gesture is not intended to ensure that the workers leaders live in luxury but is designed to enhance their security and assist them to navigate bad roads that abound in various parts of the country in the course of their frequent movements to carry out their responsibilities to workers.

7.  We must also place on record your immense contribution towards the successful hosting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) and the National Executive Council (NEC) meetings of TUC as well as the grand reception you accorded members during the meeting in Benin, Edo State in May 2009.

8.  As a renowned trade unionist of international acclaim, we need hardly remind you that you carry the banner and burden of all labour leaders not only in Nigeria but also in Africa as your performance will be judged not from the standpoint of your party platform alone but more from the perspective of your labour constituency.

9.  It is for this reason we are always in fervent prayers for your success.  We, therefore, implore you to continue to tow this path of honour which you have charted so far.

10.  Sir, if we have not been in regular contact with you, it is precisely because we do not want to distract you from the crucial and intricate tasks of governance.  We assure you that if there is compelling need to consult with you we will gladly do so.  Conversely, if you also think that labour leaders would be of assistance to your administration in any area, please do not hesitate to show the green light.

11. On behalf of the Central Working Committee (CWC), the National Executive Council (NEC) and the teeming members of our Union, I commend your development efforts and wish you all the best.

Sincerely yours

SOLOMON A. ONAGHINON ESQ.

Secretary-General