NLC strike: Defeated politicians, subsidy thieves inciting people against Tinubu — AMPON President 

•urges Labour, FG to avert intending strike

Mogaji Wole Arisekola has urged the leadership of the organised labour to consider some of the employers of workers in the private sectors whose disruption of work after COVID-19 and naira redesign policy, their companies and businesses may find it difficult to survive afterwards.

Arisekola, who is the President of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON) and the publisher of The Street Journal, added that private companies are the largest employers of workers in the country and it has not been easy to continue to be in the business judging from the socio-economic situation of the country, therefore calling for more negotiations with the government instead of strike.

The celebrity journalist and businessman also emphasised the need for the Nigerian government to be more sensitive to the plight of the masses and proffer urgent solutions to the socio-economic challenges they are presently facing before things get out of hand.

In a chat with some selected journalists at a breakfast meeting on Monday at the Eko hotel, the Ibadan-born publisher expressed dissatisfaction on the way things are in the country; particularly how some public and civil servants are handling sensitive matters which is making the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to look bad in the eye of the public.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the country has come to this level that some defeated politicians and frustrated subsidy thieves are inciting people against the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Kassim Shettima.

“Labour Unions proposed strike will just make life more difficult for Nigerians. This government has to be careful, the politicians are not helping the president at all with their selfishness, childish and incendiary statements in public.

“The unilateral announcement of N617 naira of PMS per liter has caused unnecessary panic throughout the country. This government must tread with caution and not give room for sycophants, propagandists, political jobbers and disgruntled civil servants whose candidates lost out in the last general election to make the current government under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lose touch of its renewed hope agenda of putting Nigeria back on track to prosperity.

“President Tinubu needs to jettison some moles around him who obviously are not helping him in the areas of policy direction, especially with the way they are publicly mocking the underdogs, with no modicum of sensitivity, dignity or decency.

“The infamous joke of letting the poor breathe in the National Assembly has been grossly misinterpreted and has sent wrong message to the public, giving room for the fifth columnists to make political gains out of it at the expense of the current government that truly means well for the poor masses.

“The circulation of living an opulent lifestyle by politicians did not portray this government in good faith with the citizenry. The National Assembly’s N70 billion must be properly and justifiably explained to the masses before the opposition hijacks the conscience of the masses and turn it against the APC led government. Our politicians must be circumspect, they need to change the narrative and win people to their side, through policy formulation and implementation that are masses-friendly, timely and sustainable.”

Arisekola, who noted that while it is inevitable not to make mistakes in positions of leadership, stressed that there should be need for necessary amends and it must be intentional, right on time, fit, proper and genuine.

“People make mistakes. It is inevitable that government makes mistakes, after all, people constitute government. When situation forces the government to make hard but beneficial long term choices, criticisms must be expected. What is unexpected and outrightly untenable is when decisions, mistakes and missteps are underscored by contempt and arrogance from elected officials or government appointees in response to frustration expressed by citizens.

“Nigeria is a broken nation. Nigerians understand that their country was raped and pillaged by previous administrations. Just two months ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was formally sworn-in to office. We elected him to perform miracles? Nigerians want miracles, and quick results and no one should blame them for seeking immediate relief after so much suffering. That there is no relief yet does not bode well for this administration.

“Nigerians are justifiably impatient and a bit angry that the change they were promised and voted for is excruciatingly slow. The government and those who are the face of it should come to the understanding that the people’s sentiments are crucial. They should appreciate the feelings of bewilderment of Tinubu’s supporters, which are increasingly compounded by a strong sense of mistrust and betrayal.

“If this government must stave off industrial action by the organised labour and angry Nigerians, they must find a way to calm the anger and frustration in the country exacerbated by power cuts, and an atmosphere of general discontent. It is painful to bear the burden of a problem one did not cause. The vast majority of Nigerians are nursing the wounds of plunder and sustained financial exploitation that was visited on them. The masses of our people have for years lived on pittance and wages they barely subsist on.

“The cost of living has outstretched their incomes farther than bearable. Inflation is galloping. Power supply is epileptic. Many have no idea where the next meal will come from. Our communities need roads, water, modern health facilities and better schools. Many parents cannot afford a decent meal for themselves and their children. Nigeria has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of out of school children in the world.

“Permit me to reiterate my stand further that the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is well intentioned to bring back the lost fortunes and hope of Nigeria, but Mr. President should not for any reason give chances to individuals who are not in sync with his principles and ideologies of advancing socio-economic growth and development for our nation.” Arisekola stated.

(Tribune)