Ondo State State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has sought the understanding of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government.
Governor Akeredolu, who commended the NLC for the peaceful protest in the state, said Ondo State is noted for peace and development.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters and Special Duties, Mr Dare Aragbaiye, who addressed the NLC on behalf of the Governor, said workers welfare remains top priority of the Governor Akeredolu administration.
Aragbaiye and the Head of Service, Pastor Kayode Ogundele addressed the protesters infront of the Governor’s office.
He said:”I appreciate our leaders who are present here for making this protest a peaceful one. I know that our State, the Sunshine State, is unique for peace and I want to thank you all on behalf of our Governor and government for making it peaceful, and living up to our reputation of conducting ourselves peacefully in the conduct of our affairs.
“We have received the letter to Mr President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, apart from that, we have seen the placards. We have read the demands and I’m sure that if our Governor were to be around he would have no objection to any of the demands. And I’m sure you know that even before the President himself he would say his mind.
“He is somebody who does not run away from saying the truth. But I want to assure you that everything that is happening here in our state gets to him promptly. For all the demands, I know that the President himself will appreciate the fact that you are assisting him to run the government which is just about two months old in office.
“There is no way a President will know everything, moreso things affecting workers and the downtrodden. How many poor people will have the opportunity of seeing the President? Not to talk of talking to him, but you have come to sacrifice your time, your energy, your resources to represent these groups of people, to tell the President where the shoe is pinching.
“I appreciate that you have been granting the new government time to settle down quickly and address these issues. It is equally crucial for the President to recognise that you are also working in his favor.
“Governance isn’t solely for the government; it serves both the government and the people, with workers at the forefront. On behalf of our Governor and government, I extend my gratitude to you all.” Aragbaiye said.