By Francis Igata
ENUGU — The Labour movement in Enugu State,yesterday,back-tracked in their statement where the workers had threatened a showdown with the government for purchasing Prado Jeeps for members of the State House of Assembly and some government officials.

Speaking at a press briefing, the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Chukwuma Igbokwe said the workers have been properly briefed on the true situation.

While commending Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for having a listening ear, Igbokwe said the press briefing was an aftermath of a meeting between the governor and the labour leaders.

He said, “We met with his Excellency and he gave us the true situation, we reconciled issues; let me commend his  mode of operation. Each time there are some issues, he will always clear the air.

“There is information that he gave out the jeeps. What we thought was that the vehicles were given out free, but now, we know the true situation. We are in a family. There are times we have  misconceptions but  the important thing is that at the end of the day, everybody is happy.”

Also speaking, the information commissioner in the State, Hon. Godwin Udeuhele said the vehicles were not free, but  would be returned to the government at the end of their tenure.

“No vehicle was given out free of charge. It’s pool  vehicles and at the expiration of their tenure, those vehicles will become property of government.

“In the strength of that, you people, the media should always cross check your facts before going to the press. If you had done that, this would not have happened.

“Labour is very friendly with government, we have held meetings and it’s a friendly affair.”

In a comment, leader of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Ikechukwu Ezeugwu said no lawmaker received free vehicle from government stressing that the cars were dully allocated to them.