A group has called on organised labour in Oyo State to shelve its ongoing industrial action as its members congratulated the Governor-elect of the state, Oluseyi Makinde, on his success at the March 9, 2019 governorship election.
This was contained in a statement signed by the group’s Convener, Prince Tunji Adeoye.
The Nigeria Labour Congress had ordered the labour force in the state to start the strike on May 23.
The body, Rescue Mission Group of Oyo State, stated that the industrial action’s “timing is objectionable, questionable” and appeared “premeditated”, adding: “Declaring a total general strike is like an attempt to drive the new incoming government to a halt.”
The group further stated that the strike action at this time when it was few days to inaugurating a new government would hamper smooth and effective takeoff of the government, stressing that it appeared sinister, more so that the outgoing government of the All Progressives Congress could do nothing again on their demands.
While praying for successful swearing in on May 29 and governance under Makinde, RMG appealed to the NLC to suspend the strike and “allow the new government to take off first and initiate a move” later “to address and resolve all the outstanding labour matters and issues” in the state, which predate the Makinde-led government, if labour is impartial, patriotic and good governance friendly.
– Marufh Bello