The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the unfolding drama in Oyo State, between Governor Abiola Ajimobi and the people of the state.

A statement issued by the congress and signed by its factional president, Joe Ajaero states that “We have watched as the majority of the people of the state clearly decided that the governor’s policies on education in the state no matter how well intentioned does not resonate with their mood and thinking especially at this time. We have also unfortunately seen the governor resisting and insisting on imposing his will upon the people despite the complete rejection of the path the governor has chosen to tread.

The NLC says the governor wants to privatise public schools in the state but the people want the schools to remain public. He is also said to be working towards increasing school fees in the state against his electoral promises and the people have roundly condemned and rejected it. The NLC further alleges that the governor “wants to make education inaccessible to the poor masses but the people say that it should remain accessible to the masses. The Governor wants to abandon its responsibility to educate the people in favour of profit and capital but the people want education to remain for the people. The governor wants the rich to be educated while the poor stay at home but the people say no that it should be for all.”

“These are the differences; between the people and the few; between profit and welfare; between cronies and the masses; between greed and equity; between inequity and fairness eventually, between dependency and empowering the people ultimately between perpetual underdevelopment and development.

“Congress does not understand the insistence of our leaders on policies that will not only impoverish the people the more but also lead the nation totally backwards. It is very clear that the policy of the Oyo state Government is directed against the poor; handover public property to their cronies, constrict access to essential public services and make it difficult for parents to pay fees for their children.”

According to the NLC, “the people of Oyo State have spoken loud and clear on this matter and if the only response that the Governor could give is to order the arrest of labour leaders in the state and intimidate and harass the masses then that is very unfortunate and tragic. When a Government turns against his own people then, we know that it has lost its moral and contractual grounds to continue governing effectively.”

The congress further urged the governor to end what it considers to be impunity and stop every harassment and intimidation of Labour leaders and the people immediately.

“Congress demands that the Governor ceases every attempt in whatsoever guise at privatising or commercialising education in the state at the detriment of the poor masses. If the concessionaires and those queuing to buy up the schools are so desirous of going into the business of education, they should avail themselves of the opportunity of the laws that allows private individuals and entities to set up private schools,” the statement read.

The NLC pledged to join hands with other stakeholders in the state and the nation at large to compel the governor to respect the wishes of the people of his state.

•Photo shows Governor Ajimobi.

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