May Day: Adeleke Calls Himself ‘Comrade Governor’ As Workers, Labour Leaders Praise Him For Promoting Pro-Worker Policies

Labour leaders in Osun state on Monday hailed and showered Governor Ademola Adeleke with praise during this year’s May Day celebration in Osogbo, the state capital, describing him as the first governor to have labour matters as the first item on his governance agenda.

The governor’s spokesman, Mr. Olawale Rasheed also noted in a statement made available to Team@orientactualmags.com on Monday that the Labour leaders took turns to list the many programmes of the Adeleke administration which had been in favour of labour , adding that they attended the event in large numbers to appreciate the governor’s support for them.

 They have also described the attendance as unprecedented.

Giving her speech, Chairperson of the Caretaker Committee of the state NLC , Mrs. Oyedele appreciated the governor for prioritizing the interest of workers and making it the first item on his agenda of governance.

Equally, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress, Comrade Adekola Adebowale speaking on behalf of other labour leaders said  ‘welfare of workers  was at the top of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s agenda during the  gubernatorial campaigns and I want to say without mincing words that he has lived up to those promises’

‘Within the last few months that he’s been in charge, he has paid part of the humongous backlog of salary arrears and pension arrears owed by his predecessors. There was also a salary increase for those that have been promoted by the past administration without a pay raise. Your Excellency sir, we cannot but continue to pray for you and to support you so that every of your good dreams for the workers and the entire citizenry would materialize’ he added.

Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to the welfare of Osun workers while addressing the enthusiastic and excited workers at the Osogbo City stadium on Monday.

The governor noted that he had taken a decision to prioritize better welfare for workers and the Osun labour force ahead of his becoming the Chief Executive of the state a promise he had since fulfilled.

‘ In the history of Osun state, I am unarguably the first Governor to have labour as the first item on his governance agenda.

Since I took over in a very hostile environment, I have remained committed to the goal of workers first. You can all attest to my faithfulness in resolving inherited challenges on workers’ salaries and pensions.

I have demonstrated good faith as a leader with a genuine love of workers at heart. You will always find in me, a governor that is responsive and open to the well-being of labour’ he said.

Governor Adeleke, who called himself ‘Comrade Governor’, sympathized with the workers of the state for the harrowing experience they had been made to have under past administrations while promising that his administration will continue to ensure a better and delightful approach to welfare of workers in the state. 

‘Standing before you today is your Comrade Governor who is committed to workers’ welfare and he is demonstrating all signals of a worker- friendly governor.

Workers in Osun state passed through tough moments of agonizing hardships before I assumed office. The depth of neglect was inhuman; the maltreatment was openly anti-labour; and the painful outcome had several dead and life plans disrupted. May we never witness such an era of man’s inhumanity to man again’ he said.

The governor also spoke about some of the steps taken so far by the government to address the welfare of workers in the state including salary increase for those that have been promoted and other sundry matters. 

‘Addressing matters such as half salaries and contributory pension issues are state obligations that must be resolved. Our administration  has worked out a template for resolution. Implementation is ongoing. We remain resolute in our passion to complete the payment process.

We are also addressing other issues. I am happy that our administration has ensured salary increase for those promoted by the last administration. Other welfare issues are also on the table for further action at the appropriate time’ he said.

Adeleke equally promised to address the issues of appointment of Permanent Secretaries in due course.

‘On the issue of the appointment of permanent secretaries, it is unfortunate that we inherited a major desecration and aberration of the public service called coordinating directors. The Head of Service shall do the needful on the matter at the appropriate time under my directive to give the public service the best among you as permanent secretaries. 

Rest assured that our administration will not waiver in restoring the integrity and professionalism of the service’ he submitted- Team@orientactualmags.com
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