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ADAMANT ADAMS OSHIOMOLE – THE HEARTBEAT OF THE NIGERIAN MASSES
By
George Osaremen Alenkhe
Providence High School
1b Nawfia Close
Independence Layout
Enugu
The crushing and intimidating weight of the elephant cannot withstand the piercing and terrifying sting of the ant or bee. This is a little analogy of the man in the eye of the storm - Comrade Adams Oshiomole - who has consistently taken the bull by the horn when it comes to dealing with issues affecting the Masses.
Noteworthy in this man is the passion that burns in him whenever he puts his feet on the pedestal to right the wrongs of a decaying system; fight the injustice meted on the common man and restore hope in a system where there is despair and despondency. These are only a few of the characteristics of a great labour leader, a visionary and a warrior whose sword is the truth and his shield is the Almighty One. No wonder he is always able to gather support in his campaigns.
Digressing a little to his background, he hails from Edo State, which happens to be “The Heartbeat of the Nation”. Moreover, the heartbeat is a sign that blood is moving in the system to give it life and nourishment. So, Adams Oshiomole is really the heartbeat of the Masses because he fights hard to resist perceived anti-Masses government policies so as to give life and hope to the impoverished Nigerian Masses.
However, it is my considered opinion that labour should always look into the consequences of a Strike or Mass Action on the Masses, the economy and the security of the nation whenever they want to show hatred for government policies. This is so because if the amount to be lost through Economic dormancy and Security breakdown during the period of the strike is greater than that to be gained by the Masses, then it is of no use embarking on a strike.
On the other hand, the National Assembly should tread with caution on the current Labour Reform Bill (by the Executive), which seeks to liberalize or strangulate labour activism in Nigeria. It is important to note that strikes, peaceful demonstrations, rallies and piqué ting are some of the tools used by Labour (all over the world) to press for their rights and fight perceived injustice. Hence, in as much as workers and organizations have the right to belong or not to belong to the central Labour body (NLC), no law should be made to prevent labour from calling people to embark on a strike or Mass action to pursue a course. Instead, the law should seek to hold labour responsible if they force people to join the strike or if the strike leads to a breakdown of law and order. This will make Labour to enlighten its members on the consequences of a strike and to be law abiding and orderly during the event of one.
Consequently, I must commend Comrade Adams Oshiomole and his team (including the civil society) for saying openly that dialogue is the best option towards solving our national problems. So far, this dialogue has been enhanced in the recent past through the judiciary (courts), legislature (national assembly and state houses of assembly) and public opinions. Nevertheless, government should avoid closing the “Door of dialogue”on the face labour that happens to be the “Goose that lays the golden egg”.
Hence, I urge every Nigerian to always engage in dialogue with minimal sentiments (personal, political, religious or ethnic) on issues no matter their situation or position. They should also support what is good, just, fair and right to all concerned in the interest of national development, peace, security and stability.
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Writer Profile
George Osaremen Alenkhe
A realist and optimist in a world filled with pessimists and sadists. A writer with a passion for youth emancipation and empowerment irrespective of gender, tribe, language or race. One who believes that for every human action, there is an equal and opposite reaction (good, bad or ugly). I like reading, travelling, singing, listening to people and music, playing games and watching nature.
The more we talk, the less we fight, the more peaceful the world and the happier we become.
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