The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Osun State, Comrade (Dr.) Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, has strongly condemned a recent report by a group called the Osun Workers Union (OWU).
This was contained in a statement he personally signed today. According to him, the report by OWU is delusional as well as misleading.
The NLC chairman dismissed OWU’s claims, alleging that the group is being sponsored by the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) to discredit Governor Senator (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke.
Arapasopo emphasized that Governor Adeleke has remained committed to his promises to both active workers and retirees in the state.
He stated that the government has consistently met its financial obligations and has not defaulted on salary payments or pension settlements.
“The Governor has been paying half-salary arrears monthly to workers who retired under the Contributory Pension Scheme and are yet to receive their bonds. He did this of his own volition to support these retirees,” the NLC chairman affirmed.
Additionally, he noted that Governor Adeleke has cleared all outstanding cooperative deductions owed by the previous APC administration, further demonstrating his commitment to the welfare of workers in the state.
Arapasopo described the OWU as an illegal, anti-labour, and anti-worker group, accusing them of attempting to undermine the governor’s achievements.
“These faceless individuals are simply bitter because Osun workers and retirees are now experiencing good governance under Governor Adeleke. Unlike during their tenure, which was marked by exploitation and suffering, workers now enjoy fair treatment and timely payments,” he said.
He urged workers and residents of Osun State to ignore the falsehoods peddled by OWU, predicting that similar propaganda will increase as the state approaches another election cycle.
“Osun State will not forget the dark days of their rule. As we move toward another election period, it is expected that more of such fabrications will surface. However, their desperation will not change the fact that workers and pensioners stand firmly with Governor Adeleke.”
The NLC chairman further advised Governor Adeleke not to be distracted by the false narratives being spread by the opposition, urging him to continue his worker-friendly policies.
“I appeal to Mr. Governor to remain steadfast in his dedication to workers, pensioners, and the general public. His administration’s policies have brought relief to many who suffered under the previous government. He should ignore these unscrupulous elements and stay focused on his developmental agenda.”
Arapasopo also reaffirmed the NLC’s unwavering support for Governor Adeleke, stating that as long as the governor continues to prioritize workers’ welfare, the labour force will continue to stand with him.
“Osun workers and pensioners are at home with this administration. We will not be swayed by baseless propaganda, and we remain committed to ensuring that the interests of our members are well protected.”
The NLC chairman concluded his statement with a call for unity among workers, reiterating that Osun cannot afford a return to the hardship experienced in the past.
