Oluwo of Iwo begs NLC, TUC not to jeopardize nations economy

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to approach their concerns strategically without jeopardizing the nation’s economy through strikes.

During the 2023 God’s Festival held at his palace in Iwo, Osun State, the monarch advised organized labor to maintain a constructive engagement with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Instead of adopting an oppositional stance, he urged them to hold the government accountable and keep the president informed about the concerns of the Nigerian people.

Oluwo emphasized the importance of giving President Tinubu the benefit of the doubt in steering the nation’s economy towards improvement. He commended the administration’s bold decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a move that previous leaders hesitated to undertake. The monarch stressed that it is crucial for all stakeholders in the country to rally behind the President’s efforts to revive Nigeria’s economic prosperity.

In his words, “The organized labor needs to keep the President on his toes, reminding him of his responsibilities. Resorting to strikes shouldn’t be the first option; instead, labor unions should act as responsible partners, holding the government accountable for its actions. They have the power to make the government attentive to the concerns of the Nigerian populace.

“I am committed to criticizing any wrongdoing by this government or any other. However, I believe that President Bola Tinubu has the best interests of Nigeria at heart. His decision to remove the fuel subsidy, a courageous move, sets him apart. Temporary hardships may arise, but subsidy removal is a necessary step. It’s important to note that no country in the world subsidizes fuel; the focus should be on subsidizing housing and transportation for the benefit of the less privileged.”