Few weeks ago, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the national level suspended Comrade Etim Ukpong, the NLC Chairperson, Akwa Ibom Council over some unresolved issues. In his place, Comrade Paulina Joseph Isaac, the state NLC Vice Chairperson 2 and Chairman of Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers, was appointed to act as the Chairperson of the congress in the state.
In a telephone interview with Straightnews, Comrade Isaac reveals her plans to ensure the election of credible and acceptable leaders for the state NLC during the Quatrilinnial Delegates Conference slated for April 25, 2019.
Excerpts:
Who Is Paulina Josph Isaac
I am Comrade Mrs Paulina Joseph Isaac, chairman of the Chairman of Nigeria Union of Public Service, Reportorial, Secretarial, Data Processing and Allied Workers (NUPRASDAW). Currently, I am the acting chairperson of Nigeria Labour Congress, Akwa Ibom State Council.
Why she was appointed as the acting Chairperson of NLC, Akwa Ibom State Council
My predecessor, Comrade Etim Ukpong, has issues with the national body of the Nigeria Labour Congress. That is why they have asked him to step aside until the issues are properly handled and resolved. Again, his tenure is almost over as we are preparing for conference to bring up new leadership. Looking at the timing too, he was asked to step aside and that I should take over and arrange for the conference that is forthcoming.
Her plans to ensure credible leaders are elected
Well, that is the dream. I think the national body of the union also has the dream of making sure that credible leaders are elected. That is also my dream in Akwa Ibom State- to ensure that men and women of integrity are being elected and installed into different offices to man the affairs Nigeria Labour Congress so that the workers of Akwa Ibom state will have a way of rejoicing. That is why this conference has its guidelines, rules and regulations.
I am also following the guidelines sent in by the national secretariat. That is why we give room for anybody to contest. The forms are not sold, but are given free. If we can have many contestants, among them, the people of Akwa Ibom will be able to choose who they will rely upon. I do not want to make the choice myself. I allow the choice for the entire Akwa Ibom workers to make. I promise you that after this conference, the leaders that will be elected will be able to gear up the movement to a point that every worker will be proud.
How she will handle intruders from imposing leaders on the workers.
I am aware that there are people out there that may want to cause imposition, but I am telling you that today in the labour movement, the situation is not like that of yesterday. I am not ready to allow anybody to come in and impose leaders on the workers of Akwa Ibom State. The people have the right to choose who they want. No one person will sit somewhere and decide those who become the leaders here. The election will be free and fair.
Her parting message
Well, all workers in Akwa Ibom state are expected to pray for the success of the forthcoming exercise. One thing I know is that God is the one who makes leaders. Nobody mounts a seat when God has not ordained it.
My message is that everybody should see this exercise as a very serious one to workers and the entire state and they should back it up with prayers. I believe that God will give us leaders that will be able to take us to the Promised Land. Again, whoever has ideas, guidance or counsel, should send them down to us. Already, I had promised the workers that I will do my best to ensure that I do not succumb to any pressure so that Akwa Ibom workers will rejoice at the end.
