Labour urges Kogi government to stop divisive tactics

The organised Labour in Kogi State has berated the Kogi State Government for its divisive tactics in handling the current industrial dispute with the union.

The statement, which was signed by Secretary (NLC) Mr. Olakunle Faniyi, his TUC counterpart, Mr. Kolawole James and Secretary JPSNC, Mr. Isah Abubakar, also accused government of planning to pay workers two-month salary arrears to workers to make them back out of the strike action.

The statement indicated that the disparity in the months of salary arrears being owed workers in the state is one of such tactics. They called on the government to meet all their demands or call a meeting of stakeholders to chart a way forward.

According to the statement: “ Threats, intimidation, blackmail, denials and pretence are all out of fashion. Government must act now and not make Kogi State a laughing stock among comity of states in Nigeria.”

It also urged the government to rescind its plan of retiring 230 directors that have less than five years to retire. The statement further queried the rationale behind government decision to retain its over 300 political appointees at a time it is finding it difficult to pay workers salary.

However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mrs. Petra Akinti – Onyegbule described the labour union’s claim as incorrect.