Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; delivering his speech, at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, during the May Day Celebration, in Ado-Ekiti.
Workers in Ekiti State on Wednesday marked the 2013 Workers Day without the traditional march past, just as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) predicted a second term victory for Governor Kayode Fayemi in the 2014 governorship election based on what it called his “laudable achievements” since assuming office.
The state TUC Chairman, Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, made the declaration in his address to workers at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium venue of the celebration, just as Governor Fayemi advised any civil servant interested in politics to opt out of public service and declare his intention rather than compromising what he called “the hallowed position of trust”.
Expressing dismay at the unabated participation of certain categories of workers in politics, Fayemi warned that such workers shall be held accountable for their actions within the framework of existing regulations in the civil service.
The decision of the workers to skip the parade, which is an important aspect of the Workers Day celebration was in honour of the late deputy governor of the state, Mrs Funmilayo Olayinka who was buried last weekend.
The TUC chair stressed that the achievements of the Fayemi administration in the state are unprecedented.
He pointed out that Fayemi’s regular payment of salaries to workers, payment of minimum wage to workers, restoration of vehicle, housing and other related loans will win him re-election in the 2014 polls.
Olaiya said the TUC has identified many achievements recorded since Fayemi came to power which included the Social Security Scheme for the Aged, purchase and distribution of laptops to teachers and pupils in public schools and renovation of dilapidated public schools.
The TUC boss also identified free health services, reconstruction of Ikogosi Warm Spring to a world class tourist centre, construction of 5-kilometre roads in the 16 council areas and merit-based appointment of permanent secretaries.
Olaiya said, “Reconstruction, rehabilitation and beautification of the state capital, Ado-Ekiti and construction of many roads in the state is highly appreciated.
“The ongoing electrification of Ado township is highly commendable, you can walk and drive at night without putting on headlamp and whereas it was not so before.
“The list of the governor’s achievements within his two years in office is endless but time would not permit us to mention them in full details.
“The people are to take the stock one after the other and this is the basis of democracy. With the ones mentioned above and some others, Governor Fayemi will win election for his second term in office as the Governor of Ekiti State.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman, Mr. Ayodeji Aluko, praised the job creation scheme of the Fayemi administration which has helped reduce the involvement of youths in criminal activities.
Aluko also appreciated the governor for approving the promotion and advancement of eligible officers recently carried out in the state civil service.
While thanking Fayemi for regular payment of workers’ salaries and improvement in the e-payment system, the NLC chief expressed hope that the 2012 and 2013 promotions will be carried out before the end of this year.
The governor in his address also expressed the commitment of his administration to the restoration of the Teachers’ Peculiar Allowance as soon as it is possible for the state’s lean resources to accommodate it.
Identifying insecurity and corruption as the two biggest challenges facing the nation, Fayemi charged the workers to join hands with the government to stamp out the plagues.
Fayemi maintained that the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the scourge of corruption is a struggle for all irrespective of sex, age, status and political inclination.
He faulted the nation’s criminal justice system which favours the elite against the downtrodden arguing that looters at the federal and state levels must suffer the commensurate punishments whether they are political office holders or career civil servants.
Describing security as the business of everybody, Fayemi urged organized labour and indeed entire workers to cooperate with the government and security agencies to ensure that the peace being enjoyed in the state is not disrupted.
Last modified: May 1, 2013