HighlightTrending Story

Oshiomhole faults ongoing nationwide strike, says it has political undertone

…urges labour to make strike worker-focused, promises to be on their side for such struggles

966

“Let me be clear that I do not support the brutalization of any Nigerian. I emphasise, any Nigerian including a journalist, the unemployed and of course, labour leaders’’

A former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole has faulted the ongoing nationwide strike by organized labour, saying it appeared to be motivated more by political considerations.

Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, said the strike should rather be worker-focused.

The one-time Edo governor and ex-National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) stated this on Tuesday in an interview with State House correspondents shortly after meeting with Vice-President Kashim Shettima.

“As the President of the NLC, I made no friends with any politician in Edo State. You have to be careful not to be seen to be doing the bidding of a particular candidate or a particular political party.

“Although the labour movement cannot be apolitical because politics is all about the people and I argued when I was in NLC that nobody has a right to be partisan much more than those who turn the wheel of our industrial progress.

“But in saying that we must recognize that however how hard you try, when it comes to politics people are going to have different reasons for supporting different candidates,’’ he said.

Oshiomhole, who said he would always be on the side of Nigerian workers as a former labour leader in the country, wondered why the organized labour did not mobilize against some states that have yet to implement the N30,000 minimum wage years after it was approved rather than fighting the federal government that had already approved the N35,000 wage award.

“They should hold state governments that have not paid the minimum wage to local government workers and state workers accountable,’’ he said.

Persecondnews reported that the Trade Union Congress and the Nigeria Labour Congress have called out their members beginning from midnight of November 14 to protest the brutalization of Joe Ajaero, the NLC president in Owerri, Imo capital, about two weeks ago.

Still admonishing labour leaders to be united in the fight for workers’ welfare nationwide, Oshiomhole promised to support their cause as a senator.

“If these are the issues on the table even as a senator I will publicly support any action against any government that thinks that we should lament away our hunger.

“Unfortunately, this strike is not about those issues and I think we have to be careful not to mix our political opinion with our responsibilities because the issues confronting workers are so many that they should become the priority,’’ the senator also said.

On the brutalization of Ajaero, Oshiomhole declared: ‘`Let me be clear that I do not support the brutalization of any Nigerian. I emphasise, any Nigerian including a journalist, the unemployed and of course, labour leaders.

“But I’m saying in terms of what you might call the hierarchy of needs and challenges that we face, I think that NLC should robustly engage all the state governors or the state governments, who have not implemented the agreement.’’

Leave a comment

Related Articles

Lagos, Abuja airports receive full NCAA certification

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport...

Day 3 of African Military Games: Nigerian Armed Forces Shine, Win 17 Medals

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made a remarkable impact at the ongoing...

FG raises N346bln at Nov. 2024 bond auction, reflecting strong investor interest

The Federal Government has successfully raised N346.155 billion at its November 2024...

Breaking: Supreme Court Nullifies National Lottery Act

The Supreme Court on Friday nullified the National Lottery Act 2005 enacted...

NNPC Ltd. hosts NSC boss, pledges support for revitalization of Nigerian football

In a significant move to boost Nigerian football, the Nigerian National Petroleum...

Nigerian youths essential to repositioning Africa, says VP Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to youth...

Just in: Simon Ekpa ‘ll be extradited to Nigeria to face charges – Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa,...

NPA’s CEO Dantsoho Makes History as First Nigerian Chairman of PMAWCA

In a groundbreaking achievement, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Managing Director of the Nigerian...

Save for rainy day, Federal Accountant General urges state govts, emphasizes transparency, accountability

In a bid to ensure financial stability during adverse situations and economic...

Sacked UNIZIK VC Odoh to Tinubu: You can’t fire me through press release

Sacked Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), in Awka, Anambra State, Prof....

UBA to empower MSME’s with wealth management strategies at its ‘Built to Last’ series

As part of its commitment to deepen the growth and sustainability of...

Olopade assumes office as NSC DG, promises new lease of life for Nigerian sports

Bukola Olopade had assumed office as the Director General of the resuscitated...

Amid High Inflation Rate, IMF Pledges Support for Nigeria’s Economic Reforms

International Monetary Fund (IMF) President Kristalina Georgieva and her team met with...

Nigeria’s Super Falcons Ajibade, Nnadozie, Nominated for 2024 CAF Women’s Player of the Year

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for the...

Just in: FG announces reshuffle of governing councils at FUOYE, Kogi varsity

The Federal Government has made changes to the governing councils of Federal...

Exclusive: Eguavoen Opens Up on Declining NFF Contract Extension, Reveals Reasons

Super Eagles Coach, Austin Eguavoen, has revealed why he declined the Nigeria...

Boost for Nigeria’s Oil Production As NNPC’s Utapate Crude Grade Hits Global Oil Market

In a major boost for Nigeria’s crude oil production, revenue generation, and...

Just in: FG sacks varsity Pro-Chancellor for misconduct

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has announced the removal of...

Just in: INEC presents Certificates of Return to Ondo Gov. Aiyedatiwa, deputy

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has presented Certificates of Return to...

Breaking: Senate sacks Danladi Umar, Code of Conduct Tribunal chairman  

Following proven allegations of gross misconduct and unacceptable behaviour, the Senate on...