The governorship candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), in Oyo State, Engr. Joshua Popoola on Tuesday said he would announce the autonomy of Local Government in his first day in office as the governor of the state.
He said there would be rural development when local government is allowed to function the way they ought to constitutionally.
Speaking in Ibadan at a program organized by the Political Commission of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Oyo State chapter, tagged “One on one with Oyo Workers”, the NNPP candidate noted that Local Governments would have full autonomy under his administration to aid development in the state.
He said: “The very first thing I will do when I become the governor in May 29, 2023 is the announcement of Local Government autonomy, development start across wards in local government before coming to the state.
“Our party believes in grassroots development, if elected, Local Governments will be autonomous. I am not doing them a favor, it is already in the constitution and I am just obeying what the constitution says.
“If the Local Governments are autonomous, they will be able to carry out their project to the advantage of their people at the grassroot and even the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) will create a more conducive environment for workers.
“Today, I am here to let you know that, I, Engr. Olukayode Popoola understood the plights of labour more than any other governorship candidates in Oyo state. Our party, New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) understands that the key demand for labours is a government that will prioritize the fight against corruption.
“One of the major plans we will activate in government is adequate job security and also boost the workforce. We will employ more workers without sacking anyone.
“Aside from salaries, gratuity and pension payments when due, our government will also review the minimum wage. As at today, Oyo State Government is yet to fulfill its promise on payment of Minimum Wage. As I said, I am once a worker, and I receive salary from the government, so I understand the situation, trust me, I will take care of such issue if elected.
“In our state, there is also a lack of a credit system to allow workers to own houses, cars and other social things. Imposition of consultants on some financial generating institutions is also one of the major problems confronting state workers. Let me tell you, the only way out of these mess for workers in the state is to change the government.
In his remarks, the NLC chairman in the state, Comrade Kayode Martins urged the NNPP candidate to have a close relationship with labour leaders in the state to have smooth administration.
He lamented that most of the candidates don’t fulfil their promises when they eventually become governor after coming to them to seek their votes.
He added that the purpose of the event is to have close rapour with the guber candidates so as to embrace dialogue instead of confrontation when they eventually become the governor of the state.
He however called on Popoola to implement 65 year retirement age for teachers, saying Oyo State as the pace setter is yet to implement it.
