Oshiomole tasks NLC to engage incoming administration on industrial policies

Gov. Adams Oshiohmole of Edo on Tuesday urged the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to engage the incoming administration on industrial policies that would improve the economy.

Oshiohmole made the call when he paid a congratulatory visit to the NLC President, Dr Ayuba Wabba, for his victory in the labour movement election in Abuja.

He said that it was time for the leadership of NLC to unite with those aggrieved over the outcome of the election and not to waste valuable time and energy over electoral dispute.

“It is time for the NLC to focus on how to reposition the union and engage the incoming administration to champion the interest of the common man.‘’

Oshiohmole said that the labour movement had lost huge mileage and goodwill in the eyes of its members, members of the public and employers.

He added that NLC had a huge task at hand with the incoming administration, stressing that the process of rebuilding the nation’s economy must begin with the union.

“I think at this point in time, Nigeria Labour Congress has a huge task of rebuilding the movement, because there is no doubt that you have lost a lot of mileage and a lot of goodwill in the eyes of ordinary Nigerians.

“Many believed that NLC went to sleep for almost eight years, but it does not matter how long we went to sleep.

“I ask you to rebuild the movement; you must continue to be the vehicle for conveying discontent not only on wage questions but also on the questions of public policies.

“Such effort must also look into choices that have to do with the management of our economy.”

He said that the least NLC would do at a time like this was to have leaders who were divided over petty issues.

“This is the time you need a united house. This is the time to offer workers comfort and it is the duty of an articulate and focused labour movement.

“Even if I am the President of Nigeria, you will need a strong labour to get the attention of government to the needs of the people.”

He adjudged the NLC election result as free and fair and urged the aggrieved members to embrace peace in the interest of the masses.

Wabba, while responding, assured Oshiohmole and Nigerian workers of his resolve to rebuild the NLC for the growth and development of the country.

“We will work assiduously to bring back trust and unity among the workers and the congress.

“We are ready to partner with you and other veterans of NLC, in terms of your support and words of advice, to ensure that we do not disappoint Nigerian workers.”

Wabba commended the governor for making out time to show his solidarity and encouragement to the new leadership of the congress.