Stop Politicising Workers’ Issues, KWSG Warns PDP

Posted by African Examiner News From The State Monday, March 3rd, 2014

African Examiner

The Kwara State Government has advised the Peoples Democratic Party in the state to stop politicising issues that concern the welfare of workers and indeed all Kwarans. It advised the party to provide credible alternative to government programs rather than playing to the gallery with weighty issues.

Kwara state Governor Abdulfatai Ahmed

“We reject the PDP’s attempt to politicise the on-going dialogue between the state government and organised labour. Labour’s dispute was due to a misunderstanding which both parties are currently resolving through dialogue.”

“As a labour friendly governor, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed last week had separate meetings with organised labour unions during which some of the misunderstandings were resolved while high-powered committees comprising labour representatives and top government officials were set up to expeditiously identify solutions to all outstanding issues. For example, the annual increment has already been implemented while the issue of minimum wage for other cadres is receiving attention.”

“It is on record that the Kwara State Govt was one of the first to begin implementation of the National Minimum wage despite its lean FAAC allocations. Furthermore, our labour friendly administration continues to prioritise workers’ welfare through prompt salary payment, training and retraining, provision of access to affordable credit such as N4b in car loans and provision of conducive office accommodation, among other welfare programs.”

“Outside, the Civil service, government’s empowerment efforts such as employment of 5000 youths, disbursement of N520m in revolving credit to Artisans and other groups are some of the impactful programs designed to enhance the welfare of the people. As a responsive and responsible administration, we refuse to politicise the people’s interest and welfare. Rather, we advise the PDP to imbibe our progressive agenda as their attempt to play politics with the issue of workers has failed and will continue to”.

“We salute organised labour for its maturity and understanding of government position. Government is doing all in its power to meet workers’ aspirations on a timely and mutually satisfactory basis”.