The organised labour movement has held another rally for Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for his second term bid as governor to enable him complete the projects he has started, even as the labour unions said the July 14 governorship election in Edo State will determine if President Goodluck Jonathan is ready or not for transformation in the country.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, who disclosed this during the rally organized by the Youth Wing of organized labour in Benin City on Saturday, said the labour movement is proud of Oshiomhole’s performance in three and half years in Government House.
On his part, Oshiomhole challenged the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Major General Charles Airhiavbere (rtd), to join him on a walk round the markets in Benin City to test their popularity with the electorate.
According to the NLC President: “We will rally round Oshiomhole because he is not an ordinary politician who diverts the money of the state for personal reasons but rather he has proved that union leaders can be good administrators. We have every right to rally round him because he has not failed us. We are proud of him and we will match our words with action.”
According to him, the PDP has set up a 49-member team to ensure victory for their candidate but the entire workers in the state will rally round Oshiomhole.
The NLC president, who said that Nigerians were watching if Jonathan will allow the people to determine who rules them in Edo State, noted that an injury to one is an injury to all.
The President of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Peter Esele, said the people want continuity of progress, which is why they are behind Oshiomhole who has delivered the dividends of democracy.
He said: “Oshiomhole is excellent. If he has delivered why do you want somebody else?”
While challenging the PDP candidate to a popularity test, Oshiomhole said: “Let them come and we will go to the Oba Market together to buy tomatoes and pepper. Let us go to Uwelu Market together and buy spare parts without policemen, without soldiers, just the people and let’s see if they won’t put pepper in their eyes.”
He praised the leadership of the labour unions for the rally, adding: “The presidents of the NLC and TUC, who are the genuine commanders of the productive forces are here today to give us the support as we take Edo State from the ashes of old to a new Edo State. I am protected by the forces that matter.”