By Banji Ayoola
A former spokesman of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, in Ondo State, RUGIPO, Mr Samuel O.. Ojo (JP), has lamented that the workers at the institution are not happy on a day set aside to celebrate workers worldwide.
In a statement commemorating the day, he noted that the lingering problems at the institution predated the administration of the incumbent Governor Lucky Orimisan Aoyedatiwa, yet he strongly believes that the governor could change the narration positively on the side of justice, and write his name in gold.
Ojo also noted that the governor started well by defraying the workers outstanding salaries, “until the illegal sanction on unions of the institution for legitimately demanding for just and fair treatment .”
He said he “feels very strongly that this sanction was a product of misinformation and wrong advise to our dear Governor, ” who he strongly believes to be workers-friendly.
Particularly, he criticised the Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Comrade Bola Taiwo, for his alleged role in slamming sanctions on workers, who were asking for their legitimate and fundamental rights, and in outlawing their unions, which are allowed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his words, “Bola Taiwo is called a Comrade because he belongs to a union and understands its operations within the ambit of law .If what befalls Rugipo workers happened to ALCON when he was the President, how would he have reacted?
“I think those in glass houses should know how to throw a stone. You are an adviser today and tomorrow it will be another man’s turn. While you still occupy the space, advise well for the sake of tomorrow .”
He further advised Taiwo: “Remember , to every event, there is a history- Herodotus.
“Therefore make today as an event for a better advise and remove the embargo placed on union activities and their leaders in Rugipo.
“How do you account for a normal situation where you operate disparity in payment?
“How does one survive with #18,000 minimum wage while others are taking #70,000 ? It is simply an unjust act.
“Let Peace reign in Rugipo. As a colleague in the struggle,
“Comrade Bola Taiwo : Today is a public holiday because it is worker’s day. Let it be of history in Rugipo.”
Following is Ojo’s full statement:: “Today is not a mere Day across the globe as Workers in all climes of life are celebrated.
“Thus, it is tagged” Happy Worker’s day”. inspite of the numerous challenges facing “RUGIPO WORKFORCE”- Permit me to say “Happy workers day.”
“Frantz Fanon, a French philosopher once said, “Posterity will not forgive those in position to say the truth but remain in passivity in the time of need.”
“Today being a historic day, Rugipo workers cannot be happy because of inhumanity of man to man.
“The Genesis of the myriad of problems facing the workers in Rugipo preceded this regime but a significant history can be made by the current regime to its name in gold and correct the wrongs of yester years.
“The tenure of His Excellency ( Dr.) Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governor of Ondo- State started well by defraying arrears of unpaid salaries to Rugipo workers.l applaud this giant step with euphoria.God will also smile on him.
“I was following the excellent human feelings until the illegal sanction on unions of the institution for legitimately demanding for just and fair treatment .
“The Governor to me is a Worker’s friendly Governor and feels very strongly that this sanction was a product of misinformation and advise to our dear Governor.
“It is unfortunate that in Africa, people suffer dilemma in the hands of those who are supposed to know better.
*A one – time President with a mastery of the onions of a union will not aid and abet illegal advise to his Principal to the detriment of a union on legitimate course.
“Bola Taiwo is called a Comrade because he belongs to a union and understands its operations within the ambit of law .If what befalls Rugipo workers happened to ALCON when he was the President, how would he have reacted?
“I think those in glass houses should know how to throw a stone.You are an adviser today and tomorrow it will be another man’s turn.While you still occupy the space advise well for the sake of tomorrow .
“Remember , to every event, there is a history- Herodotus.
“Therefore make today as an event for a better advise and remove the embargo placed on union activities and their leaders in Rugipo.
“How do you account for a normal situation where you operate disparity in payment?
“How does one survive with #18000 minimum wage while others are taking #70000 ? It is simply an unjust act.
“Let Peace reign in Rugipo. As a colleague in the struggle,
“Comrade Bola Taiwo : Today is a public holiday because it is worker’s day.Let it be of history in Rugipo.”
