Organised Labour Frowns Over Governor Akeredolu’s Aides High Handedness

By Niyi Olutunde, Akure

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ondo State Council, on Friday urged Governor Rotimi Akeredolu to caution his aides in order not not to bring friction in the flow of peaceful relation with his office and government by extension.

The Organized Labour particularly accused the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Akeredolu on Special Duties, Mr. Doyin Odebowale and the Special Assistant on Agriculture and Agro Allied Industries, Mr. Akin Olotu, of high handedness, gross misconduct and attempt to oppress the people with paraphernalia of office.

Speaking at the Government House in Akure, while presenting letter of commemoration to Akeredolu to mark this year workers day, the NLC chairman, Comrade Sunday Oluwole-Adeleye accused Olotu, of using his office to oppress workers of the Farmers Congress.

According to him, Olotu activities have led the workforce to be owed over 20 months salaries arrears.

“Your Excellency, this request has been happening for some years now in every May Day. To say that the staff of the Congress are suffering is an understatement, Sir. we are using this opportunity again to appeal that this matter be settled once and for all and arrears of over 20 months salaries
be paid without further delay,” he said.

While lamenting on the high handedness of SSA on Special Duties to the governor, Oluwole-Adeleye said, “Mr. Governor, no doubt Organised Labour in Ondo State respects and love your administration but, there is a nag which if not checked could bring a
friction in the flow of peaceful relation with your office and this government by extension.

“Your Excellency, we have observed, endured and condoned enough the
excesses of your SSA Special Duties and we are constrained to say, we can no
longer cope with the way and manner he
represents and portends this government to the outside world.

“His meddlesomeness in the Civil Service
has to stop.

“Labour in Ondo State is poised for a total showdown with him if, not checked.”

The Organized Labour also showed their displeasure over the abuse and maltreatment of health workers and officers on essential duties during this COVID-19 pandemic

Ondo NLC chairman said, “It has come to our notice Your Excellency, the evil of the men and officers of the Police Force in brutalising, maltreating and acts of severe abuse of our Medical/Health Workers and others on essential duties. Cases abound
everyday and one is taken aback by the latest being the case of a Nurse at Ode-Irele.

“Mr. Governor, it wasn’t a pleasant sight how a woman was so badly wounded
and injured by uncultured and crude officers of the Nigeria Police.

“Your Excellency, any further reported case of brutality against any of our
member will force labour to direct that our members should hold back at home. Enough is enough.”

He, therefore, urged Akeredolu to include the workers in his palliative plan as no one is spared in the pangs of the COVID-19 effect.

“Let
everyone feel the cushioning effect of your worker friendly government,” he said.

Governor Akeredolu, therefore, said all their requests will be look into and implored them to continue to show high sense of industry and become creative in carrying out their duties.