Chris Ngige Always Leaves The Door Open, NLC Celebrates Labour Minister At 68

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has celebrated and prayed for the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on the occasion of his 68th birthday.

The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, in a statement on Saturday, described Ngige as a ‘dogged fighter’ and accomplished politician.

Wabba said, “on behalf of the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), I wish to extend our felicitations to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, on his 68th birthday Anniversary.

“It is indeed no mean feat to add another year to the very eventful life of a man who has accomplished so much.

“Ngige has carved out a niche for himself in the minds of many Nigerians as a dogged fighter who shows no qualms fighting for whatever cause he believes in.

“He demonstrated this trait very manifestly in Anambra State where he announced his emergence in national politics.

“It takes only a giant of a man to confront and defeat the political pantheon in Anambra State and their benefactors in higher reaches of power who wanted to keep Anambra State as a prized trophy. The minister went on to deliver excellent services to the ordinary Anambrarians whose cause he chose to identify with rather than the whims and caprices of a ravenous political elite,” he said.

According to the NLC president, not many politicians have grown their profiles from being a “greenhorn medical doctor to an accomplished career civil servant and to a seasoned politician.”

Wabba noted that Ngige had served as a governor, senator and now a two-term minister.

He also spoke on the “thrilling, tepid and tensed” relationship that Nigerian workers have had with Ngige, saying: “Through our checkered relationship and piercing through the veil of our different persuasions, one thing has stood out very clear.

“Dr Chris Ngige has demonstrated one consistent character which is the penchant of leaving the door of frank discussions, open negotiations, and genuine reconciliation open.

“These are the traits of a truly great man. As we celebrate with our Minister today, Aug. 8, 2020, we pray that the good Lord will keep him stronger, healthier and wiser.

“Nigerian workers will need his energy and wisdom as we navigate through the murky and uncharted waters imposed on us by COVID-19,” he said.