The Oyo state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have thrown their weight behind one of the leading gubernatorial aspirants, Mr. Adesoji Eniade, to become the next governor of the State, describing him as “one of us and in whom we are well pleased”.
The NLC declared their support for the former Head of Service during a meeting of its State Administrative Council (SAC) at the NLC Secretariat in Ibadan, citing his unparalleled public service experience, and his immense contributions to the welfare of workers in the state, as some of the key reasons why the Congress decided to give him their backing.
The NLC Chairman, Mr Waheed Olojede, said while the NLC remains a totally apolitical body, backing Eniade comes from an informed place, and most importantly, because he has proven time after time to be genuinely concerned about the improved welfare of the workers in Oyo State.
“Mr Soji Eniade is one of us, and throwing our weight behind him to become the next governor of Oyo state comes only as a natural decision for us. We are not endorsing a political party rather, endorsing Soji Eniade’s candidacy. Apart from his unparalleled experience among the crop of aspirants vying for the position, Mr Eniade has proven to be a responsible fellow comrade, even while discharging his duties to the government as a Permanent Secretary and also as the Head of Service.”, he said.
“I can categorically affirm that the industrial peace we’ve had in the state for some time now is not unconnected with Mr. Eniade’s uncommon administrative ingenuity and ability to make things work. So also is his contribution to workers’ welfare across every level in the state”
Olojede went further, ” Mr Eniade’s goodwill and antecedents have made the job to support him easier. As said earlier, he is one of us,, and no NLC member in Oyo state has ever regretted dealing with him. He has represented our constituency very well such that we recently gave him an award of recognition for his great comrade activities”.
”As it is now, it is actually in our own interest to totally support him”, he enthused.
At the meeting, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo, NLC’s first Vice Chairman who is also the President of Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), also reiterated the reasons why the workers’ body in Oyo state is standing behind Eniade to become the next Governor of Oyo State .
“For workers in Oyo state, backing Mr Soji Eniade is non-negotiable. Virtually every worker in Oyo state, either directly or indirectly has gained immensely from Mr Soji Eniade’s magnanimity when it comes to administrative decisions, policies formulated and even in personal interactions”, Sodo said.
He added, “Without a doubt, we even believe that it is high time someone with a robust understanding of public service, a professional who understands the workings of government and governance from a public sector perspective, is allowed to give us strong leadership to keep moving forward in Oyo state. We believe this person is Mr Adesoji Eniade, hence, our total support of his candidature”.
In their reactions, other members of the SAC of NLC present, expressed delight that finally, “one of us” has boldly stepped forward to vie for Governorship position in the State and stating that, it was high time someone with reputable public sector experience assumed such position so that the State can continue to move forward.
“We have followed your antecedents and you have always had an ‘open-door’ policy to all even while in the exalted office of Head of Service. You have proved beyond reasonable doubt to be a proud ambassador for us and as such, we are totally behind you and support you”
With this latest endorsement by the apex labour body in the State, stakeholders in the State will be watching with keen interest on how things will shape up in the coming weeks.
It is reported that the governorship primaries of the APC has been set for the 28th Of September, 2018, and Eniade, who also is a Member of the National Institute (mni), remains heavily tipped as one of the leading candidates to clinch the gubernatorial ticket of the APC.
