Call to Action: Okupe Urges Labour to Embrace Change

Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesperson for the Labour Party, has emphasized the need for organized labor to break free from colonial mindsets. He urged that resorting to strike actions should be considered a final resort in making demands from the government.

During his appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Okupe shared his perspective on Friday.

Recent protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress saw the shutdown of the federal secretariat and other government establishments in objection to the proposed N60,000 minimum wage by the Federal government.

Addressing the interview, Okupe highlighted that the government should be proactive in engaging with various groups rather than waiting for a crisis to emerge. He stressed the importance of constructive dialogue between labor and the government.

“I encourage labor to move beyond its colonial origins and realize that it’s a domestic affair. Dialogue is paramount in resolving issues. Strikes should be a final resort.

“The government must be attentive to grievances even before they escalate to grave concerns. Dialogue is the hallmark of civilized societies. We may not always agree immediately, but open discussions pave the way for mutual understanding,” he remarked.

Regarding the recent grid shutdown, Okupe echoed the sentiments of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, terming it a severe offense. He sharply criticized the action by organized labor, denouncing it as unacceptable, sinful, and criminal.

“Indeed, the shutdown of a nation’s grid is inexcusable. It is crucial for the government to ensure security and maintain order. While I acknowledge labor’s concerns, disrupting essential services is unwarranted.

“It is imperative that all stakeholders engage constructively without resorting to extreme measures like disrupting the national grid. Such actions are damaging and have far-reaching consequences,” he concluded.