In a show of solidarity, the Edo State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have officially endorsed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, ahead of the September 21 election.
The endorsement came during a “Thank You Rally” held at the Government House in Benin City, where union members expressed their support for the governor’s welfare reforms and their confidence in Ighodalo’s ability to build on these achievements.
Led by NLC Chairman Comrade Odion Olaye and TUC Chairman Idubor James Aighomwanhi, the workers praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for his administration’s consistent attention to workers’ welfare, citing the construction of the Labour House and the timely payment of salaries and pensions during his eight-year tenure.
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Olaye and Aighomwanhi pledged that union members would mobilize in large numbers on September 21 to ensure Ighodalo’s victory, emphasizing that they would also safeguard their votes to prevent electoral manipulation.
Governor Obaseki, in his remarks, thanked the workers for their unwavering support throughout his administration, noting that Edo State had enjoyed a strike-free relationship with the unions under his leadership.
He highlighted the regular and prompt payment of salaries and pensions, as well as ongoing efforts to clear 40 years’ worth of pension arrears.
“We’ve ensured that by the 26th of every month, salaries and pensions are paid on time. With the reforms we’ve initiated, I’m confident that under Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s leadership, there will be no outstanding gratuities,” Obaseki said, adding that his administration had already cleared a significant portion of the N40 billion backlog.
The governor further underscored Ighodalo’s commitment to continuing these reforms, praising him as someone deeply invested in Edo’s future and economic progress. “Asue Ighodalo is not a man driven by financial gain. He is part of all we’ve achieved, and with your endorsement, I have no doubt he will lead Edo to greater heights.”
In his acceptance of the endorsement, Ighodalo vowed to prioritize the welfare of workers, pledging to build on the strong foundation laid by Obaseki.
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“With the support of the unions and the people of Edo, I am confident that we will win this election. I am committed to making sure Edo continues on this path of growth and development,” he said.
NLC Chairman Odion Olaye commended Obaseki for setting aside N200 million monthly to address the backlog of gratuities, a move that has earned the governor widespread approval from workers across the state.
“Your commitment to workers’ welfare is evident in your prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and Edo workers will come out in force on September 21 to support Asue Ighodalo, ensuring that the progress we’ve seen under your leadership continues,” Olaye stated.
TUC Chairman Aighomwanhi echoed these sentiments, assuring that union members would vote in support of the PDP’s candidate to safeguard the gains made during Obaseki’s tenure and to ensure the continuous improvement of workers’ welfare in Edo State.