Profile of a Labour Leader; Emmanuel Edozie,Chairman, PASAN, Delta State

It is our belief that Labour Union Leaders do a lot in meeting their responsibilities. Thus, we take the time to talk to them and find out how the carry on their mandate.

 Our guest on Labourlognigeria today, is Comrade Emmanuel Edozie. The State Chairman, Parliamentary Staff Association, PASAN. Calm and soft spoken, he spoke to us on issues concerning Labour Unions, his activities in Labour union, his successes, challenges and future

of Labour union in Nigeria. Details of our interview:

Profile:

Name:Edozie Emmanuel 10^th June 1974

1.   Education:Azanoba primary School, Ubulubu Blessed Emmanuel college, Onicha olona 1984-89 Federal College of Education (Tech. ) Asaba  1994-97 Delsu, Anwai Campus BSc. Acct. 1999-2003 UNIZIK Awka MSc Bus Admin. 2010 CIPSMN 2010.

Career:

2.   Teacher – City Commercial College, Asaba 1995 – 1996, FMWH clerical officer 1996-1998, House of assembly Asaba 1998 – date.

History  in Unionism

3.   PRO Association of Biz Education Students 1993 – 1994,, PRO Association of Biz education students 1993 – 1994 PRO FCE(T) Alumni Association 2006 -2007, PRO CIPSMN Delta Chapter 2002 till date, Chapter Chairman PASAN 2008 -2009, State Chairman PASAN 2008 – July 2016 – date.

First impression in Labour union

1.   Those workers have a lot of issues relating to the workplace that need to be solved. That a lot of persons in the Association/union immediately need someone to help solve all the problems in the work-place. It therefore becomes a moral burden.

Mentors in Labour Unionism

2.   In Delta State, I would say Com. Mike Okeme, reason being that he believes in approaching issues though dialogue and that is why he is still waxing strong. But mostly the Erudite Comr. Adams Oshiomole, for his intelligence, braveness and steadfastness… (b) Earliest memory in labour dates back to school.

Earliest involvement in Unionism

This dates back to school; it gave me a burden to defend the defenseless

Why did you get involved?

The reason for my involvement is that I have naturally have the passion to help people carry their problems. It is therefore a veritable platform to achieve that aspiration.

4  What has been your best experience while serving?

In 2016 when almost all the problems I met were settled in the midst of recession.

Worst experience: when our executive committee in 2009 as PASAN vice chairman, were told to stop down and a executive committee elected

What do you wish to see changed in Labour Unions?

   I wish to see to the existence of one Labour centre which will make the Labour movement stronger; secondly, Labour leaders should shun any form of gratification from the system as it helps to weaken our efforts.

Tell us about your union

   Our union, Parliamentary Staff association of Nigeria, (PASAN) dates back to around 2004, with the formation of two associations for both senior and junior bearing different names before the merger  around 2009 of both senior and junior arms to give birth to PASAN being their umbrella union for the legislation arm.

It helps in catering and furthering staff welfare needs. It has very well been the mouth piece of the workers of the legislature in the state.

My election was a tough one. I didn’t campaign much but I always had the conviction that I was the better candidate and I was victorious.

As the chairman, my election was June and inauguration in July 2017. At the time, there was recession in the country, payment of salary was problem or other benefits to staff but God helped us greatly as 90% of our demands were met. As Oliver twist, we keep asking for more. Aluta continua.

How do you utilize negotiation ?

  We endevour to consult a lot of stakeholders. We engage the management of the House through dialogue, employing all dispute resolution mechanisms. We derive our powers from the congress but at EXCO levels, we continuously engage the management on various issues concerning staff welfare.

Well, if our various forms of dialogue does not yield fruit, we go to congress which gives resolutions at times ultimatum taking into consideration the required number of days. Strike is always our last resort. We also suspend strike action through the congress.

What is your view on division in Labour Unions

    Division in Labour union as I have said earlier is one of the greatest problems bedeviling Labour in Nigeria movement. It weakens our power and exposes us to exploitation.

How do you feel when going to represent your people?

 I always prepare and comport myself. I always believe that to staff, there will be light at the end of the tunnel. Having my fellow staff at heart. It is always a no victor no vanquish situation. I am also very happy when I am able to meet the demands for which we set out .