Protest: Ogun workers dissociate self, call for dialogue, peaceful resolution

By Oluwanifemi Idowu, Abeokuta

Ogun State workers, under the auspices of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiation Committee (JNC) have dissociated themselves from the planned protest over alleged unremitted pension funds in the State.

The unions, which were represented by Comrade (Amb) Hameed Benco Ademola, the  Chairman of NLC,  Comrade Akeem Lasisi, TUC Chairman and Isa Olude, the  Chairman of JNC,  averred that the threats through a news broadcast on the proposed industrial action on 1st August by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) is not only condemnable but highly uncalled for in all ramifications. 

The Union leaders said they have never at any point in time engaged any groups or  individuals to agitate over any issue whatsoever on behalf of the groups, saying the organised Labour in Ogun State is not in anyway privy to the said broadcast by CDWR.

According to the groups, there had been robust engagements over time with the Ogun State  government,  which had resulted to positive outcomes on the part of the government, adding that nothing could have warranted any threat of industrial action by the unions in the State. 

The statement reads in part: "Our attention has been drawn to a said news broadcast on N40bn unremitted pension fund by the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR), which is condemnable and uncalled for by the Organized Labour of Ogun State.

"The Organized Labour of Ogun State had never engaged any person or groups of people to broadcast the said news on behalf of Ogun State workforce.

"Organized Labour of Ogun State wish to State categorically that, the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Joint Negotiating Council in Ogun State is not directly or remotely involved in the broadcasted news.

"Organized Labour of Ogun State has been engaging the government through our usual channels of communication, and the results are positive and, therefore, have no reason to issue any threat to the Government on the above subject.

"Organized Labour of Ogun State believe threats/industrial action becomes necessary only when discussions and negotiations fail to achieve our aim.

"The Organized Labour of Gateway State equally disassociate from the lingering 1st of August protest by groups yet unknown but call on different hierarchies of the Government to involve these groups to dialogue in averting the protest

"Organized Labour of Ogun State will continue to use all peaceful avenues and means to engage and negotiate with the Government and if need be, inform the public directly and not by proxy before resort to any action.

"The Government of Ogun State headed by His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun (CON), is a worker-friendly administration and is always ready to engage social partners whenever the need arises."