Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday urged workers in the state to support the administration by shunning all forms of misconduct and working assiduously for the pay they earn. The misconduct according to the Governor include truancy, lateness to work, disloyalty, embezzlement among other improper acts.
He also charged the workers to eschew all forms of political participation thereby upholding the principles and ethics of the civil service.
This is as the labour unions vowed to retake ownership of the political parties registered in her name as a way of being active political players in the forthcoming elections.
The views forms part of remarks given at the 2022 Workers’ May Day celebration which held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital city.
The event which saw Governor Makinde, Oyo State Chairmen of the labour unions, Comrade Kayode Martins (Nigerian Labour Congress) and Comrade Emmanuel Ogundiran (Trade Union Congress) receive salute during the commemorative March Past was well attended by various groups, trade unions, market groups, paramilitary groups, socio cultural groups among others.
Speaking through the Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG), Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Governor Makinde enumerated the various ways his administration has been supportive to the workers even in the face of meagre resources, commending the support and commitment of the workers to the success of his administration.
He said “I wish to commend the Labour Unions in Oyo State for adding value to governance, consistently defending, and improving the political, economic and the social rights of the people of Oyo State. I must also mention that my administration recognizes the sacrifices, forbearance, and contribution of all the workers of Oyo state in the face of the difficulties and challenges posed by the present economic situation in the country.
“Such challenges are, however, not peculiar to Oyo State, it is a general phenomenon which has besieged the entire states of the Federation including the Federal Government. Inspite of these challenges, this administration has kept faith with promises made during our inauguration.
“We have played our part by picking up our responsibilities as a government, despite the harsh economic condition. Therefore, to whom much is given, much is expected. This is a time when dedication to work, is very important.
“I will also encourage you to desist from all forms of misconduct ranging from truancy, lateness to work, disloyalty to the government, embezzlement, and other improper conducts. Work assiduously for the pay you earn, and you shall be rewarded even by the Almighty God.
“Let me also state that as we are moving to the electioneering period, it is essential for all workers to eschew all forms of political participation thereby upholding the principles and ethics of the civil service.”
Earlier in his remarks, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Kayode Martins urged governor Makinde not to join the group of leaders across the country who have been described as enemies of their states by granting autonomy to the state judiciary, legislative and the local governments.
He also charged workers in the state to recognize the electoral values by registering and voting during elections.
In his own remarks, his TUC counterpart, Comarade Emmanuel Ogundiran said the labour movement both in the public and private sectors, as the creator of the wealth of the country has woken up from it’s deep slumber and now ready to take the bull by the horn.
He said “The two labour centres, NLC and TUC have each put in place a political commission to try to rescue the country from the claws of the political jobbers that call themselves leaders with little or nothing to show for it since the post-independence era.
“In achieving it’s aims, the labour movement in the country is considering among others, the following: Taking ownership of the political party registered in its name with its leadership as leaders of the party at all levels, that is Labour Party.
“Creating and re-awakening governance in Nigeria based on certain economic and political ideology/ideologies. Aligning with an existing political party that has similar ideology and thinking with the movement. Forming a new political movement/political party entirely.
“The crux of all the above propositions/considerations is to engender good governance and development in Nigeria where those who create the wealth will now have the opportunity to manage the wealth they created for multiplication rwsulting in real development.”
Highpoint of the celebration was the presentation of gifts to winners of the march past.