The hardship in the country vis-à-vis the plight of Nigerian workers was at the centre of the conversation in Abuja on Friday as some members of the Obidient Movement powered by the Cyrus Group and Free Nigeria Foundation held a talk show as part of the May Day celebration.
The high points of the well-attended event at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja were the remarks of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP frontline Chieftain Dr Segun Sowunmi, who declared that the 2023 Labour Party standard bearer, Peter Obi, remains the only authentic Presidential candidate for 2027.
According to Dr Sowunmi, “You know I am of the PDP but the future of Nigeria is in Peter Obi. He is the only authentic candidate all others are fake”
He said that Obi is restless to see Nigeria work, and he is everywhere looking for answers to our problems, unlike others who are just waiting for what they are not ready for.
“I am very uncomfortable that we are busy passing the baton between the North and the South West, leaving the very critical section of the country, the Igbo, even when they have Obi, who is the future.
Dr Sowunmi supported his position with historical illustrations and the story of the circumstance that brought Obi into politics which underscores the fact that Obi is basically in politics to change the country. He charged the Obidient Movement and the Labour Party to emulate the Labour Party in Brazil and work hard to lead the change that is needed in this country.
The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, said that the Labour Party actually belongs to Workers wherever they are, at the construction site, in hospitals, in the security sector, etc.
She said that the Labour Party takes any issue concerning workers’ welfare very seriously and gave five deals the LP has to restore the dignity of Nigerian workers including, among others, giving workers living wages, Labour rights, non-negotiable health and housing programs for workers, and enforcement of Labour laws.
She said that workers cannot be the creators of wealth and live in penury, pointing out that everything about the Labour struggle is for the welfare of the people.
Dr Nenadi said that a government can be busy clapping for itself that it has achieved a lot but once it’s not reflected in the welfare of the people, it’s no governance.
“They can lock everyone, but they cannot luck God. ‘Stay the course; don’t sell your birthright for the sake of tomorrow’s children”, the LP acting boss concluded.
The famous poet, Dike Chukwumerije, also addressed the audience, charging Nigerians to brace up for the inevitable change even if it would take eighty years, but it’s desirable not necessarily for this generation but for the sake of our children and children’s children.
Also speaking at the event, the FCT Senator Ireti Kingibe berated the obedient and the youths of Nigeria for not doing enough to take and own the country.”You are too quiet in this country and we are going down in this country, the Labour Party Senator screamed to the audience.
The other highlight of the occasion was the questions and answers session as the FCT Senator took the hot seat to respond to her constituents. While the questions to her were hot, she was equal to them addressing all the issues squarely.
The coordinator of the talk show and the Director of the Free Nigeria Foundation, Dr Moses Paul, sent warning signals to all those thinking that 2027 is going to be business as usual, declaring a ‘never again’ mantra for 2027. Dr Paul, popularly known as Dr Mo., particularly sent a message to the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to stop intimidating Abuja residents over election because the voters know where they are and where they are going.
The iconic gospel musician Bongos Ikwue was among the elders and other Labour veterans who graced the highly successful gathering.
