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Nigerian Workers And The Challenge Of COVID-19 | By Rahaman Onike
Nigerian workers this year are not just in a state of dilemma like other Nigerians, they were caught unaware by COVID-19 pandemic that is currently plaguing the entire universe. Of course,this moment is not the best of time for the Nigerian workers including those in the public service and private sector of the nation’s economy.
Nigerian workers this year are not just in a state of dilemma like other Nigerians, they were caught unaware that is currently plaguing the entire universe. Of course,this moment is not the best of time for the Nigerian workers including those in the public service and private sector of the nation’s economy.
Apart from the anxieties caused by the daily increase in the death toys, workers are equally feeling threatened that they may lose their jobs after the pandemic. Really, there are reasons to fear giving the likely aftermath effects of the pandemic on the global economy.
In a dramatic manner, workers in the last six weeks were forced to stay at home. Ordinarily, one will expect that workers would be doing their works at home, if not fully but on skeletal scales.
Contrarily, the reverse is the case due to myriad of challenges that hsve been the bane of public service delivery in Nigeria since pre-colonial era.
From all indications, it seems both the governments and workers at various levels never envisaged this kind of social problem and as such didn’t prepare for the messy situation we find ourselves giving the near collapse of the economy under the present circumstance.The reality is that we are likely to be doomed, if adequate measures are not taken expeditiously on how to ensure the survival of the nation’s economy after the pandemic.
As the federal and state governments continue to device measures toward the mitigation the dire consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic, workers should get prepared to make necessary sacrifices to assist the nation achieve speedy economic recovery after the pandemic.
This is the right time for the workers to be engaging in serious rumination on how to assist the nation make up for the loses so far recorded since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
One way to achieve this goal is for every worker to capture all the lessons learnt from the ongoing experience with the view to make use of the experiences when work resumes.
Expectedly, When work resumes and workers are fully returned to their desks, it is important everyone thinks about how to make use of the experience learnt during this critical period in our nation’s history to add value and contribute meaningfully to economic recovery measures which the governments are bound to introduce.
For the avoidance of doubt, this period has taught workers a lesson that the business climate may change by technology and pandemic such as COVID-19 as we experience currently. One major failure of the employers of labour in the country as currently exposed by the coronavirus pandemic is that both the government and managers of the private sector lack effective and enduring coping strategies for business and economic survival during global crises.
Unlike the situation in the developed economies where e-organization operate without any serious hindrance , the prevailing business and organizational culture in our own country today is far below the minimum standard. The best way to understand my concern is to look at the issue from the perspectives of its three underlying components-the use of internet, intranet and extranet to achieve effective service delivery particularly in the publiic service as the pandemic wrecks harvoc.
Even the private sector that seems to have already been paying attention to the scientific innovations being the in-thing now such as e-busines and e-commerce have not got it right as workers and management of the private organizations equally face challenge of cyberloofing on daily basis.
More importantly, the current reality has equally exposed our country and the workforce to be ill prepared for telecommuting which is all about operation of virtual office system. Even when workers are ready to operate virtual administrative system, the success still depends largely on critical factors such as availability of power supply, internet access and computer literacy skills of the workforce.
Whatever the circumstances, workers should remain steadfast and not loosing hope. The storm will soon be over. What is expected of the Nigerian workers is to see the period of lockdown to keep safe and obey the government directives on COVID-19.
This is not the time to pursue or engage in any risky venture so much when the storm is over workers will be alive, hale and hearty to contribute significantly to the nation’s economic recovery and infrastructural development.
Rahaman Onike, Public Commentator & Trade Union Activist writes from Oyo, Oyo State
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of violence at the All Progressives Congress (APC) state secretariat, describing claims that he assaulted a party member as false and politically motivated.
An online platform, IMPARTNEWSNETWORK, had alleged that Akinmoyede assaulted one Gafar Oyebade during a meeting convened by the state chairman of the party, Alake Adeyemo, to resolve issues surrounding the executive list of the APC in Lagelu Local Government Area.
However, Akinmoyede, in a statement on Tuesday, said the meeting was peaceful and attended by key members of the state executive, including the chairman, deputy chairman, and secretary, who witnessed the proceedings.
He clarified that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the state leadership recognised him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to the lawmaker, following the clarification, the state executive directed the Lagelu Local Government chairman, Fatai Awoyoola, to proceed with the swearing-in of other party officials.
Akinmoyede also faulted attempts to link the incident with the 2019 killing of a former federal lawmaker, noting that a court of competent jurisdiction had already ruled on the matter.
He said, “In Suit No. I/70c/2019, delivered by Justice Mufutau Adegbola on January 23, 2020, all those accused were discharged and acquitted.”
The lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public, alleging that Oyebade, a public school teacher under the Oyo State Government, should not be involved in partisan politics.
He described the allegation as a “recycled script” aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of political activities, urging constituents to remain calm.
Akinmoyede also called on journalists to verify information before publication and urged security agencies to take action against individuals who file false reports.
“These tactics surface every election cycle. Those behind them should learn to accept the outcomes of political processes. They failed before and will fail again. Power comes from God,” he added.
The lawmaker representing Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Olafisoye Akinmoyede, has denied allegations of assault levelled against him by a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mr. Gafar Oyebade.
Akinmoyede described the allegation as “false” and “a lie taken too far,” insisting that no physical altercation occurred.
The denial was contained in a statement issued on Monday by his Legislative Aide, Dr. Isiaq Akintunde.
Oyebade had alleged that he was hospitalised following a confrontation during a meeting held at the office of the state party chairman in Oke-Ado, Ibadan, convened to resolve a leadership dispute in the local government.
But the federal lawmaker maintained that the meeting was peaceful and attended by top party officials.
“The meeting was convened to clarify Mr. Oyebade’s position within the local executive, and it was attended by the State Party Chairman, his deputy, the secretary, the publicity secretary, and other key state executives, all of whom witnessed the peaceful proceedings,” the statement read.
He added that contrary to Oyebade’s claim of being the party secretary, the official list presented by the Lagelu Local Government Party Chairman, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, identified him as the Public Relations Officer.
According to Akinmoyede, the state executive thereafter directed Awoyoola to proceed with the swearing-in of the remaining members of the local government executive.
The lawmaker accused Oyebade of fabricating the allegation to advance political interests.
“I wonder why Mr. Gafar Oyebade, a secondary school teacher, would claim he was assaulted in the presence of the State Executive. This is an attempt to justify money allegedly collected from an aspirant to tarnish my image,” he said.
Akinmoyede further claimed that Oyebade was seen walking freely after the meeting and was not hospitalised as alleged.
He also raised concerns over Oyebade’s involvement in partisan politics, noting that civil servants are restricted from active participation in political activities.
The lawmaker called on security agencies and the media to investigate the incident at the party’s Oke-Ado office to ascertain the veracity of the claims.
Efforts to reach Oyebade for comments were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Aderemi Oseni, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Oseni made his aspiration known during a high-level meeting with the Ibarapa APC Elders’ and Leaders’ Forum, comprising the G9 and the expanded G64 caucus, held at the party secretariat in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, over the weekend.
The G9 and G64 groups consist of influential stakeholders drawn from Ibarapa East, Ibarapa Central, and Ibarapa North local government areas.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the lawmaker expressed appreciation to the forum for their support and confidence in his leadership and vision.
He said his ambition to represent Oyo South Senatorial District was anchored on a determination to consolidate and expand his record of performance.
Oseni said, “This aspiration is not built on mere rhetoric, but on the continuity and expansion of a proven track record of quality representation and grassroots-oriented governance.”
While soliciting the support of party leaders, he described his ambition as a divine call to serve the people with renewed dedication.
According to him, “This is not a time for self-glory but a sacred responsibility to intensify efforts towards real development, bring more relief to our people and ensure inclusive governance.”
He pledged not to betray the trust reposed in him by party elders and faithful, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in progressive ideals and a genuine commitment to the development of the district.
Oseni also urged leaders in the zone to mobilise support towards delivering one million votes for President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming election.
Speaking at the meeting, a leader from Ibarapa East, Chief Michael Morawo, lauded the lawmaker for delivering democratic dividends and strengthening the party structure. He added that Oseni has demonstrated commendable leadership through his performance, noting that his impact in stabilising the party within the constituency is evident.
Similarly, a former council chairman in Ibarapa Central, Chief Theophilus Adenrele, commended the lawmaker for not betraying the trust reposed in him. Also, a chieftain from Ibarapa North, Chief Francis Babalola, described Oseni as a humble leader committed to progressive ideals, dismissing speculations about his possible defection if he does not secure the governorship ticket.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the forum, Chief Timothy Jolaoso, said the lawmaker enjoys widespread grassroots acceptance that cuts across political divides.
Jolaoso said, “All indicators consistently point to Oseni as a candidate with acceptance that transcends party lines. He is not only capable but a man of deep faith with proven empathy for the downtrodden.”
He added, “He possesses the goodwill, financial strength, and public trust required for leadership.”
The elder statesman further noted that Oseni’s performance in the House of Representatives, alongside his role as Chairman of the FERMA Committee, underscores his competence and commitment to development.
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