My Heart Goes Out For Pensioners And Workers In Kogi State

The ever growing myriad of the plight of workers would continue to haunt those political leaders and organised labour leaders who due to their selfish interests and inordinate ambitions, have over the years, chosen to treat issues concerning the welfare of hapless, helpless and defenceless workers with utmost levity and profound disdain.

Since the return of democratic dispensation in the country on May 29, 1999, successive administrations across the country, irrespective of political affiliations, have deliberately turned deaf ears to matters concerning improved working conditions and better living standards for workers.

If the workers are not well remunerated, motivated and are continuously denied their salaries and other entitlements, there can be no sustainable peace, progress, development, growth, as well as political and economic stability.

It has virtually become an annual tradition that such an important event in Kogi State is bedevilled by protests, agitations and avoidable bitter grievances, against government over unmet workers’ demands.

It is shameful and saddening that an important occasion that ought to be a moment for promoting peace and cordial relations between government and workers finally degenerated into an ugly situation where aggrieved workers had to boo and chase political leaders away from the venue.

Already, some workers and pensioners have died while others are on the verge of committing suicide, having been denied their salaries and entitlements by state governor. It is a pity that Kogi workers are literally being strangled to death by the political class and labour leaders, who ordinarily, are expected to fight for and protect their interests.

For as long as the organised labour remains in disarray and cannot speak with one voice on labour matters, negotiations with government over the raging matters affecting workers’ interests would remain largely unresolved.