By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti
Labour leaders in Ekiti State have commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for keeping faith with the civil service reengineering, by gradually fulfilling his electioneering promises to the workers and the entire citizens.
The leadership of the trade unions, described Oyebanji as a leader, who places high premium on the payment of workers’ salary, pension and gratuity, thereby reducing poverty in their ranks.
The trade unions gave the commendations, on Monday, during a visit to the office of the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State Capital.
In a statement signed by Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor, Victor Ogunje, quoted the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress(NLC), Comrade Kolapo Olatunde, as eulogising Oyebanji for not betraying the confidence reposed by workers and Ekiti populace in his leadership .
Olatunde averred that the government, had succeeded in gaining the trust of his colleagues through prompt payment of all benefits due to them and abated the culture of mutual distrust in the system.
“The entire workforce of Ekiti State is pleased with the leadership being offered by Governor 0yebanji. He has been able to foster confidence in the system by fulfilling some of the promises and pacts he had made with us. We are indeed proud of his leadership.
“I am not saying he has done everything , but he has been able to substantially address some of the issues like payment of gratuity, payment of deductions and some other allowances. This is a great hallmark of leadership and we are pleased with him”. the statement stated
In a letter addressed to the Deputy Governor and presented by Olatunde, the NLC, also condoled with Mrs Afuye on the demise of her mother, Olori Esther Iyalaje Adegboye.
The labour union lauded the late Mrs Adegboye for her contributions to the development of Ikere community and prayed for the repose of her soul in the bosom of God Almighty.
Lending credence to the commendations given by the NLC boss, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Kayode Fatomiluyi, described Oyebanji’s government as wholesomely pro-workers, as reflected in the expeditious implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage and the consequent adjustments immediately it was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The former Chairman, Joint Negotiating Committee(JNC), pledged that the government won’t derail in its focus to make lives more abundant for workers in the state .
Responding, Mrs Afuye, charged the labour leaders to embrace professionalism and shun partisanship, for them to gain credibility that can strengthen democratic practices in the country.
The deputy governor, described professionalism of the trade unions ,as a catalyst to development, on the premise of being strong partners to government and promoters of the workers’ welfare.
For improved governance through incentives to workers, she disclosed that the governor, has established an invincible working relationships with all the trade unions in the state, based on mutual respect and trust, saying this shall be sustained in the overall interest of Ekiti populace.
Mrs. Afuye stressed the imperative of the labour leaders remaining focused and steadfast in accomplishing the statutory functions of providing assistance and services to their members, collectively bargaining for better pay and conditions for all workers and working to improve the quality of public services.
“It is very important that you run away from partisan politics as trade unions. You shouldn’t also make yourselves enemies of government, by criticising when you are to be strong partners to bring about growth, development and good governance.
“Don’t forget to focus on being a reliable partner to government and work hard to protect the welfare of workers as their leaders, because they are looking up to you in that regard.
“Workers are very lucky in Ekiti State, because you have a governor who has kept the faith with prompt and up- to -date payment of salaries and pensions, while gratuities are being paid to the delight of our retirees. This government will continue to see workers as dependable partners, and I know you won’t shirk in your responsibilities as well”.she explained
Present at the parley are: the Chairmen of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Kayode Babatuyi, his counterpart in the Radio, Television Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Comrade Tola Popoola, immediate past Chairman of RATTAWU, Comrade Taiwo Falae, among other high profile labour leaders in the state.