Ondo state governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has urged the organised labour in the state to maintain neutrality in the discharge of its duties as the November governorship election draws near.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said organised labour has a critical role to play in ensuring the smooth conduct of the election process.
However, Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the 2024 May Day rally, did not announce any increment in the minimum wage.
The Ondo governor promised that every issue raised by the NLC and the TUC would received careful attention and consideration, as much as practicable.
He said he considered the monthly steady payment of outstanding gratuities more meaningful than the unsustainable interim arrangement of N10,000 Wage Award to each pensioner.
Governor Aiyedatiwa stated that steady recruitment into the State Public Service has been given priority attention saying his administration has given new approval for the recruitment of over 1,000 personnel in the health sector; and 2,000 personnel in the education sector.
He said: “I want to assure our workers and the generality of our people that Nigerian economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is on the way to recovery. With the ongoing economic reforms coupled with the tenacity of Nigerians, let us be optimistic that things would fully turn around for the better, very soon. It is important therefore to applaud the ingenuity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in providing purposeful leadership, which is steadily making life more meaningful to all Nigerians.
“I wish to appeal to the Organised Labour to continue to build on the good rapport and excellent relations that exist between the government and the Labour. The industrial harmony we enjoy today should never be taken for granted and we should cherish every single moment that allows us to advance our mutual cause in the overall interest of our State. I assure you of government’s continued support and attention.
“To all political gladiators across party lines, I use this medium to appeal to all of us to endeavour to maintain peace and decorum during the electioneering as well as the election proper. We should remember that we are all stakeholders in the development and progress of our dear Sunshine State. We should eschew violence, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, and instead engage in issue-based campaigns that will promote the overall well-being of our people.
” We must respect each other’s differences and opinions with a view to reflecting the highest standards of integrity and sportsmanship that time like this demands.”