By Ehi Eweka

ORGANISED Labour has given Oyo State government Thursday to resolve ongoing dispute with workers in the state over its education policy, failing which all commercial and other activities in the state will be shut down.

Gov Ajimobi

Speaking through the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, led by Joe Ajaero, Labour warned that it would, among others, cut fuel and power supplies, in addition to ensuring that the banks and other financial institutions in the state do not function until the state governor halts his perceived anti-people policy against the people of the state.

NLC in a seven-day ultimatum to Governor Abiola Ajumobi of Oyo State, beginning from June 17, lamented among others, that the Governor had been resisting and insisting on imposing his will on the people despite the complete rejection of the path the Governor had chosen to tread.

According to 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, intimidate and harass the masses, then it 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. We therefore urge the Governor to end this ongoing 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 privatizing or commercializing 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. We would 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 if he insists on toeing this ignoble path which he has chosen for himself. It is not too late for the Governor to redeem himself to avoid having his name permanently etched in the annals of the infamy and those who were involved in emasculating the poor in Nigeria.”