Benin — IMMEDIATE past Secretary to Edo State Government, SSG, Dr. Simon Imuekhemhe, weekend, said that one of the secrets behind the success of the administration of Governor Adams Oshiomhole in the state was the cordial relationship that exists between the organised labour and the state government.

Imuekhemhe, also former Head of Service, HOS, said from his years of experience in the civil service, it will be difficult for any government to work successfully without the corporation of labour.

He spoke when he was honoured by the state chapters of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC. Appreciating the honour bestowed on him by the unions despite the several disagreements he had with them when he was SSG, Imuekhemhe said: "Those disagreements helped us bring out the best in all of us and shaped governance in the state.

"Labour is really a critical aspect of governance because they see everybody in government as their enemy or their oppressor. So, for the TUC, the central organised labour in Edo State, to single me out for the award, is an experience I will cherish for life because they represent the views of the workers and to a large extent, the views of the general public and it gives me a sense of satisfaction that during my service year, I served the people of the state and the principals who gave me the opportunity to serve creditably."