In Praise of Gov AbdulRazaq
It was 4.20pm on Wednesday when the buses started snaking into the premises. About ten minutes later, it surged into a crowd. Then, the voices rose and grew louder. “Soli, sooli, sooolidarity forever...,” the patriots chorused. I stood revelling in pride and awe of change as the organised labour unions and their affiliate bodies stormed the Kwara State Government House. They said they came to appreciate Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for the clearance of backlog of salary arrears, palliative for workers, and overall commitment to workers’ welfare in Kwara State. Seven years ago, they could be at the gate in a fierce struggle with hefty security men as they came to demand for payment of their dues from an unfriendly government.
Speaking for the organised labour unions at the rally, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kwara Comrade Muritala Saheed Olayinka said they were delighted that Governor AbdulRazaq has been treating their demands one by one. As he reeled out some of these demands that were recently approved including cash-backing of promotion and ongoing payment of years-long arrears of workers, the delighted labour unionists echoed in salute “gbosa! gbosaa! gbosaaa!” for the Governor.
Wait a minute! Did I just say labour unionists came to express joy for the Governor over the ongoing payment of their arrears? Haa, were they not the workers the elements in opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said were being scammed and deceived?
Now, come along. Each of the salutary “gbosa” by the unionists shoots down the wall of falsehood. These were the people concerned. They would not be denied of their entitlements and be singing and smiling. More so, Kwara workers, like the proverbial bride, have been into two marriages and should know better now. And much did they know, going by their friendly mode of engagement with Governor AbdulRazaq, that this one is a better leader. You may say the other guy and his followers are losers who now find joy in wishing for a crack in the union. Governor AbdulRazaq, for his part, is a talk-and-do, caring, and humble leader. And I dare say this union is fruitful. Or how do we call full implementation of minimum wage; clearing backlog of promotion and arrears; prompt payment of salary, among other issues? If this were of any man and woman and not a literal alliance, our forefathers would say the house is full. Governor AbdulRazaq -- Labour unions should be delighted.
Ibraheem Abdullateef, Senior Special Assit to the Governor on Communications