Governor Akinwunmi Ambode today, September 10, received members of various Labour Unions in the state on a peaceful rally. Speaking to them at the Lagos House, Alausa, he emphasized the need for continued support of the anti-corruption campaign of President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Governor who was represented by Mr. Tunji Bello, Secretary to the State Government, commended the labour unions consisting members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), National Labour Congress (NLC), National Youth Council (NYC) and the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) for their decision to show solidarity with President’s Buhari’s quest to stem corruption.
Bello who explained that the country is at a defining point in its democracy, pleaded for all hands to be on deck in the ongoing process, so that with this support for the government at the centre, the nation can return to its days of glory.
“We must thank you immensely for the support that you are giving President Buhari. This is what Nigerians need. You are the leaders, you are the opinion molders, without you setting agenda, there is no way this country can progress, so we really appreciate you.
“All the messages you have brought on this anti-corruption crusade must be delivered to President Buhari. The Governor said I should assure you that your message will be delivered because he takes you as very important partners in progress.
“He is also seeking your support for all the things President Buhari and the State Governor are doing, so whatever input you may wish to offer, his doors are always open to you”, Bello said.
In response to this, Comrade Akeem Kazeem, state chairman of the TUC said the union decided to stage the rally nationwide as an indication of their wholehearted support of President Buhari’s anti-corruption campaign.
Kazeem lamented the poor state of the nation as a result of the unending corruption and how much it has put a blot on Nigeria’s image over the years, as well as the case of massive brain-drain in the wake of these.
He said: “Corruption has created a very bad image for the country and its citizens, as Nigerians are viewed as corrupt and dubious people outside. It has affected all sectors: health, education, petroleum, power, agriculture, transport, goods and services as well as manufacturing.
“It has also led to massive brain drain- a great number of Nigeria best brains have been driven to other parts of the world where they now spearhead developmental and scientific exploits.
“On average, virtually all aspects of Nigeria’s infrastructure are in deplorable condition. The country is characterised by bad road networks, constant power outage, lack of security, inadequate water supply, and outdated health facilities and declining education system, failing communication networks and unstable economic growth.”
He also commended Governor Ambode’s strides in the first 100 days in office, adding that the Labour Unions are fully in support of his drive to invigorate civil service and engender development in the state.
“In this state, we have said pensioners’ benefits have not been getting the required attention for so long a time. We must recognise the fact that we are aware that Governor Ambode has released the sum of N11billion to offset pension arrears. It’s a right step in the right direction”.
Representatives of the TUC, NLC, CDHR and NYC at the rally took turns to present letters to Governor Ambode for onward transmission to President Buhari, to intimate him of their full support for his anti-graft war.
Below are pictures from the rally:
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello (left) receiving a letter of commendation on behalf of Governor Ambode from the State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idowu Adelaku (middle) while the Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Kazeem (2nd left), looks on, during a solidarity rally by Committee for the Defence of Human rights(CDHR) to the Government House, Ikeja, to register their support for President Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War, on Thursday, September 10, 2015.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello (2nd left), Permanent Secretary, Office of Civic Engagement, Mrs. Elizabeth Adekanye (left), Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Akeem Kazeem (middle), State Chairman, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Idowu Adelaku (2nd right) and the National Vice President, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Prince Adeeso Sadiq (right) during a solidarity rally to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode by Committee for the Defence of Human rights(CDHR) to register their support for President Buhari’s Anti-Corruption War at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, September 10, 2015.
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