NLC, TUC endorse Fayemi for second term
Nigerian Labour Congress and Trade Union of Congress on Saturday endorsed Ekiti Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, for the June 21 Governorship election.
The NLC President, Abdulwaheed Omar, led other National Executive members on a courtesy call on the governor after the union’s National Administrative Council and the Central Working Committee meetings in Ado-Ekiti. Omar who commended Fayemi for his achievements revealed that the union shunned resistance from some quarters to host its meetings in Ado-Ekiti.
He said, “Nobody can tell us not to identify with the people that identify with our movement. If we choose to identify openly with you, it is because we have every cause to do that. They should not separate us from the people who believe in struggle with us.”
In a veiled reference to reported Sunday Police attack on All Progressives Congress member where a man, Taiwo Akinola, died from a gunshot, Omar said despite reported violence in Ekiti, the union insisted on coming to Ekiti.
He said, “Despite all the entreaties, despite all the threats about what is going on in Ekiti, we resolved we must be here because if that was employed to dissuade us from identifying with the people that we really should, that has actually failed.
“If we had the orientation that you fear every situation, maybe we will not be here. Perhaps some of our detractors will be happy that they have succeeded.”
Omar said if he had known there will be agitation against the union’s coming to Ekiti, he would have organised a rally in support of the governor and see if all hell will let loose.
“We are Nigerians and we are equal to the task. Nobody will like to move backward after moving this far. We are with you in spirit. We are not hiding that we are wishing you every success in the forthcoming election.
“It is because we are a force to reckon with that people got agitated and did everything possible to stop us from coming here. We have no regret whatsoever to say that it is pur wish that you continue with the good work you are doing in Ekiti. By the grace of God, we have come , we have seen and we have conquered,” Omar added.
The Ekiti State TUC Chairman, Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, urged workers to vote in Fayemi for second term. He commended him for ensuring prompt payment of salary, elderly welfare, security package, provision of buses for workers, pension payment, youth empowerment as well as provision of road, water and electricity.
“I can say without mincing words that workers have not staged any industrial action before they realized their demands.
“A vote for Fayemi is a vote for our dear state and future yet unborn,” Olaiya added.
Responding, Fayemi promised the workers that his government will not be about failed or phantom projects but will be based on evidence and tangible project.
Encouraging the people to come out on the day of the election, he said, “Nobody can intimidate us. It is true there are soldiers and police in town. We are the one paying their salary so they are here to protect us.”
Courtesy: PUNCH
