May Day: Ekiti Workers Unhappy, Says PDP

The Ekiti State chapter of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed the economic challenges in the State and Nigeria as a whole to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a press statement released by the PDP State Publicity Secretary, Raphael Adeyanju, in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, the opposition party expressed that Ekiti State workers observed this year’s Workers’ Day with a sense of sadness.

The party highlighted that both at the state and national levels, the ruling party has let down the masses, leading to a somber atmosphere during the May 1 celebrations.

Adeyanju state, “Yesterday, we observed Workers’ Day, a day that holds special significance in honouring workers worldwide. However, here in Ekiti State, there was little cause for celebration due to the government’s lack of support for the workers.

“The condition faced by civil servants and the retirees is one of the worst in Nigeria. Ekiti State pays a paltry sum of fifteen thousand Naira for civil servants and ten thousand Naira to retirees as palliatives for the sufferings inflicted on them. What can this achieve in this terrible economic situation?”

In response to the ongoing fuel scarcity and the soaring cost of living in the state, the PDP expressed their deep concern, stating that the situation has reached an intolerable level.

The party’s spokesperson further emphasised, “The terrible circumstances in Ekiti State have reached a tipping point. The price of petrol has skyrocketed to two thousand Naira per liter, exacerbating the already challenging transportation situation due to the deplorable road network.

“Our people are now battling with poverty, the high cost of living, and a prevailing sense of insecurity.”

The opposition party further criticised Governor Biodun Oyebanji, accusing him of having misplaced priorities. They argued that while the average citizen was struggling to survive due to the inhumane policies of the APC-controlled federal government, Oyebanji seemed more focused on pursuing projects that do not directly improve the lives and well-being of the people of Ekiti.

“Just recently, our party raised concerns about the governor’s excessively large cabinet, cautioning against the potential for unnecessary wastage. However, despite our warnings, he continued in making additional appointments for the sake of political favoritism.

“It wouldn’t be unexpected if the Ekiti State government chooses to place all the responsibility on the misguided policies of the APC-controlled Federal government. After all, their party seems to excel in shifting blame and offering excuses.

“Ever since the APC government took office in Nigeria, the everyday citizens have yet to find any relief from their hardships.

“Since President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure ended and the new party assumed power, it seems like there have been constant excuses and shifting of blame. President Bola Tinubu, even within his own party, has been attributing his own failures to his predecessor,” PDP stated.