Public service union elects first female chairperson

The Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service and Recreational Services Employees of Nigeria (AUPCTRE), Bayelsa State council yesterday produced a first female chairperson in the state, more than 20 years after the creation of the state.

Mrs Ayibalayefa Gabriel was the woman behind the jinx breaking history as she defeated two other male contestants to emerge as the new state chairman of the body.

Other executive members elected and sworn in by the leadership of the union, included; Mr Tonbara Warikolu, 1st Vice Chairman, Raphael Osaisai, 2nd Vice Chairman, Mr Romeo Alabi, Administrative Secretary and Mr Diepreye Odu as Financial Secretary among others.

Speaking with journalists after her swearing in, Mrs Gabriel promised to offer a purposeful leadership to the association to pave way for more women to be so elected by the union.

She said, “This union have come of age, and it is time for women to put up themselves in any leadership position in the country, instead of always feeling intimidated by men around. I will use my experience as a woman to pilot the affairs of the union well and ensure that welfare of the members is guaranteed.”

She promised to engage their employer, the state government meaningfully to ensure that members of the union get what is due to them in their different work places, assuring that during her tenure, no members will be intimidated by the employees.

The Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress in Bayelsa State, Comrade John Ndiomu, who monitored the union’s election urged workers in the state to live up to the demands of duty in their different offices , while calling on the newly elected leadership of the union to work for the enhancement of their members’ welfare.