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Nigeria Labour Congress yesterday declared that it was not prepared to accept any attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially the elements of Obasanjo model of politics within President Musa Yar' Adua's government to sabotage the mandate the people of Edo State gave to Adams Oshiomhole, its immediate past president.
Nigeria Labour Congress yesterday declared that it was not prepared to accept any attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), especially the elements of Obasanjo model of politics within President Musa Yar' Adua's government to sabotage the mandate the people of Edo State gave to Adams Oshiomhole, its immediate past president.
Labour said that such an attempt would portend danger for the country and appealed to President Yar'Adua to checkmate it.
NLC President, Abdulwahab Umar, at the activities marking the 2008 workers day celebration, specifically called on President Yar'Adua to prevail on his political constituency, the PDP, not to sabotage the people's mandate given to Oshiomhole, which, he noted, reflected the wishes of Nigerian people, especially those of Edo State.
'Ordinarily, with the favourable ruling by the Edo State governorship election petition tribunal, there should be no cause for alarm. However, we know that the do-or-die elements and their political children are very much around. This is evident in the fake rallies and fake clamour against the ruling of the tribunal being orchestrated by the outgoing governor of Edo State. We must say loud and clear that it will be dangerous for anybody to play pranks with the people's mandate in Edo State," Umar said
NLC told President Yar' Adua, who was represented at the event by the Labour and Productivity Minister, Alhaji Hassan Lawal, that Edo State would be the first real test of his willingness and capacity to accommodate opposition. It urged him to respect the sanctity of the political and electoral process and prove that he accommodates and respects opposition and diversity.
Oshiomhole's arrival at the rally disrupted proceedings for close to 30 minutes as workers carried him shoulder high at Eagle Square, venue of the event. Top government and labour officials had to intervene before the joyous thousands of workers had to release him and ensured that the event recommenced.
NLC said that it was very much impressed with Edo State election petition tribunal for the thorough job on the petition of Oshiomhole, asserting that the ruling returning Comrade Oshiomhole was a vindication of the electorate of Edo State who overwhelmingly voted him.
'The ruling is unique in the sense that it is the only tribunal verdict that annulled the election of a sitting governor and proceeded to declare the petitioner winner, and ordered him to be sworn in as governor," NLC declared.
Labour declared total support for the National Electoral Reform Committee and urged the committee to do a good job and ensure that Nigerians don't suffer the humiliation of election rigging again.