The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged workers in the state to support his administration by shunning all forms of misconduct and working assiduously for the salary they earn.
Makinde made the declaration during the commemoration of the 2022 May Day, jointly organised by the Oyo State councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, highlighted the misconduct to include truancy, lateness to work, disloyalty and embezzlement, among other improper acts, charging the workers to eschew all forms of political participation in the forthcoming general elections, thereby upholding the principles and ethics of the civil service.
He commended the labour unions in the state for adding value to governance and consistently defending and improving the political, economic and social rights of the people of Oyo State, saying his administration recognises the sacrifices, forbearance, and contribution of all the workers of the state in the face of the difficulties and challenges posed by the present economic situation in the country.
Makinde said: “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. Work assiduously for the pay you earn, and you shall be rewarded even by the Almighty God.”
“This administration believes that the Civil/Public Service is the engine room of any government. Therefore, the success of the government depends on the vibrancy of the Civil/Public Service that helps in the execution and implementation of policies,” the governor declared.
Earlier, in his remarks, 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 and also charged workers in the state to recognise electoral values by registering and voting during elections.
On his part, the TUC Chairman, 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 is ready to take the bull by the horns, by putting in place a political commission to try to rescue the country and engender good governance and development in Nigeria.
He stated: “In achieving its 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,” Ogundiran asserted.
He explained that the crux of all the propositions is to engender good governance and development in Nigeria, where those who create the wealth would have the opportunity to manage the wealth they created for multiplication, resulting in real development.
The ceremony, which saw Governor Makinde, represented by the SSG, and the state chairmen of the NLC and TUC receive salute during the commemorative Match Past, was well attended by various workers groups, trade unions, market groups, paramilitary groups and socio cultural groups, among others.
The high point of the celebration was the presentation of gifts to winners of the match past.
Ime N