THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ekiti State has conferred on Governor Ayodele Fayose the award of “Comrade Governor” as part of the celebration of the 2017 International Workers Day in the state.
This is just as the state’s chapter of the NLC has charged the Federal Government to look inward, appraise itself and rise to the challenge of fulfilling its campaign promises.
At a May Day rally held at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti, the workers said despite the challenges faced by the Fayose government in the payment of their salaries, the governor had done enough to merit the “Comrade Governor” award.
Chairman of NLC in the state, Raymond Ade Adesanmi, who spoke on behalf of the workers, commended Governor Fayose for speaking against all forms of oppression represented by destructive activities of herdsmen among others.
Adesanmi said Fayose had achieved success in “reducing crime rate in the state, attending to workers’ and teachers’ welfare; promoting over 15,000 workers in arrears, and transparency in runing the affairs of the state among others.”
He however charged the governor on the need to put in more efforts in looking inwardly as an alternative means to paying outstanding salaries of workers in the state.
The Ekiti NLC boss said: “We want to appreciate your efforts for what you have been able to achieve in this regard. We know that the economic situation of states vary but we don’t want to compare payment of salaries in Ekiti with that of other states anymore. Ekiti has been coming first in the education sector since your assumption of office; likewise Ekiti State workers demand to come first in terms of salary payment in the South West and Nigeria as a whole.”
Speaking on the need for the honour done Governor Fayose, Vice Chairman of Ekiti NLC, Richard Olugbenga Adeniyi said: “The governor earned this award as Comrade Governor. This goes beyond payment of salaries. Go to other states where there is Fulani herdsmen’s menace, see the destruction being done there and compare with Ekiti. Our governor has taken a pro-active step to nip the menace in the bud.
“His promotion of over 15000 workers is highly commendable. That number is over 30 per cent of workers in the state. He has also ensured peace by securing the state. There is also educational advancement. He has brought honour to Ekiti State. He has given empowerment to our women, farmers, artisans and other trade union organisations have cushioned the effects of recession for families.”
The NLC urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, as a matter of urgency, fulfil his campaign promises “before Nigerians are pushed to the wall.”
The state’s Head of Service, Dr Olgbenga Faseluka, in an address on the occasion, also lauded the governor “for his favourable disposition to the welfare of workers in our state.”
Governor Fayose, in his response commended the workers for “their patience and perseverance,” saying “I’ve istened to your demands. It has been the same, your welfare and well-being. Only thing I have added is taking you along in everything. I have not hidden anything from you.
“I am a governor who lays bare all the allocation coming to states to labour leaders every month so that you can defend me when the need arises. No governor would come after me and abolish that transparency legacy I am leaving behind.
“During my first term, I used to pay your workers at the 25th of every month. It is because of the debts left behind by past administration. I don’t want to dwell on past errors and I promise you, I won’t owe a kobo by the time I will be leaving office.”
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