The All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial candidate in Lagos state, Mr. Aknwunmi Ambode, has stated that he is totally committed to the prosperity of all workers in Lagos. He said this while speaking at an interactive session with members of the Lagos state chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Civil societies.
“The primary responsibility of any government is the welfare of its people. The workers in this state make up over 60% of the people. One thing I assure you all is this, I am one of you and I remain committed to the prosperity of every worker in Lagos’, Ambode said.
The event was organized with the sole aim of getting every Lagos worker well-posted with the specific plans of the APC governorship candidate for the workforce in the next four years.
Ambode presented himself to the comrades as a candidate who sufficiently understands the workings of government, stating his readiness to employ that experience for the good of the state.
The interactive session kicked off with questions basically centred on worker-welfare, even as they expressed other concerns regarding pensioners’ dues, taxing, job security, unemployment, the fear of job losses and the likelihood of unfavourable privatization of some government parastatals.
In his response, Ambode restated that the aim of his government is to use a “combination of his experience and commitment to people-oriented leadership” to achieve further excellence in the state, thus, assuring that all the concerns raised were resolvable.
“When I say I am committed to your welfare, I mean your prosperity, I mean your comfort, I mean fruitful negotiations, I mean better communication between the government and you the workforce, and I mean the prompt payment of your dues, workers and pensioners alike. I am one of you, and I know you are the ones who truly toil for the prosperity of our state, you deserve a rightful dose of such prosperity”, he said.
Ambode added, “We will prioritize human capital development, such that the level of productivity within our labour force will rise considerably”.
The APC governorship candidate underlined the essence of his integrity while sharing his plans as touching taxing. He stressed that his intention to run for the Lagos state top job is hinged on his strong belief in servant-leadership, not because he is an accountant; and so, he allayed fears high-handedness, stiff financial policies and high taxes, that were raised by a section of the audience.
“It is on record that I was the only Accountant-General who made tax refunds to the people after investigations proved that they were overcharged. So, I promise ease, integrity and uniformity in the collection and appropriation of taxes. This project before us is about people-oriented service and leadership; I will not increase taxes, that I assure you”.
The body of comrades saluted Ambode and his party,the APC, for being a party of true progressives and maintained that they also remain committed to the continuity of good governance and purposeful leadership in Lagos. They expressed solidarity with the Ambode project, while stating their resolve to remain partners in that progress.
The state NLC Chairman, Comrade Idowu Adelakun, had earlier lauded Ambode’s antecedence and humility, stating that “this will be the first time a gubernatorial candidate will honour our invitation. Thank you Sir and I assure that we are with you in this quest for continuity and progress”.
Ambode was at the labour chat together with his running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adebule. The labour and civil society groups represented at the event include Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigerian Union of Journalists, Nigerian Association of Nurses and Midwives, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSANU), the Comrades Society Music, the Green White Green group, among others.