Exploitation of workers must stop

The sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, with practical and workable plans coupled with ingenuity became an effective and efficient manager of resources yet unmatched in Nigeria. He brought creative imagination to bear on all the projects he executed as Premier of Western Region. Nigeria’s state governors should borrow a leaf from the legend; they can become great leaders if they “tune in to” Chief Awolowo’s ideas of a “Welfarist State”.

One elementary way is to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor through a redistribution of income. A few of the fertile fields is in the area of a downward review of the outrageous salaries, allowances, pensions of past and current public office holders. Others include taxes; tax is still grossly an underused goldmine. There is also an abundance of opportunity to become great leaders by freeing government spending from ostentation.

ALSO READ: Buhari, Saraki, Tinubu, Sultan, Alaafin, others storm Ibadan Sunday

One great Nigerian leader that continued to excel in this regard effectively was late Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed. The exploitation of the Nigerian workers must stop. Nigerian workers are entitled to a living wage. The State governors on collision course with Labour should note that the National Labour Congress without the orthodox tools of power such as arms or other materials of warfare wields more potential powers than the governors now on the war path. A stitch in time saves nine.

John R. Jimoh,

 Sagamu.