President, Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria (AMPON), Mogaji Wole Arisekola, has urged labour to consider the survival of private companies who have been immensely affected by COVID-19 pandemic, naira redesign policy in recent times before embarking on any national strike.

He said that politicians need to change the narrative of how they are being perceived and win people to their side, through policy formulation and implemention that are masses-friendly, timely and sustainable.

He stressed the need for Nigerian government to be more sensitive to the plight of masses and proffer urgent solutions to the socio- economic challenges they are presently facing before things escalate.

He explained that private companies are the largest employers of labour in the country and have gone through series of challenges to remain in business judging from the socio-economic situation of the country. He therefore called for more negotiations with the government instead of strike.

Speaking with journalist in Lagos, Arisekola, who is also the Publisher, The Street Journal, expressed dissatisfaction with the State’s of things in the nation, particularly how some public and civil servants handle sensitive matters which is negatively potraying the new administration.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the country has come to this level that some defeated politicians and frustrated subsidy thieves are inciting people against the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kassim Shettima.

“Labour Unions proposed strike will just make life more difficult for Nigerians. This government has to be careful, the politicians are not helping the president at all with their selfishness, childish and incendiary statements in public.

“The unilateral announcement of N617 naira of PMS per liter has caused unnecessary panic throughout the country. This government must tread with caution and not give room for sycophants, propagandists, political jobbers and disgruntled civil servants whose candidates lost out in the last general election to make the current government under the leadership of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to lose touch of its renewed hope agenda of putting Nigeria back on track to prosperity.

“President Tinubu needs to jettison some moles around him who obviously and not helping him in the areas of policy direction, especially with the way they are publicly mocking the underdogs, with no modicum of sensitivity, dignity or decency.”

According to him, the circulation of living an opulent lifestyle by politicians did not portray this government in good faith with the citizenry. The National Assembly’s N70 billion must be properly and justifiably explained to the masses before the opposition hijacks the conscience of the masses and turn it against the APC led government.

“Nigerians are justifiably impatient and a bit angry that the change they were promised and voted for is excruciatingly slow. The government and those who are the face of it should come to the understanding that the people’s sentiments are crucial. They should appreciate the feelings of bewilderment of Tinubu’s supporters, which are increasingly compounded by a strong sense of mistrust and betrayal.

“If this government must stave off industrial action by the organized labour and angry Nigerians, they must find a way to calm the anger and frustration in the country exacerbated by power cuts, and an atmosphere of general discontent. It is painful to bear the burden of a problem one did not cause. The vast majority of Nigerians are nursing the wounds of plunder and sustained financial exploitation that was visited on them. The masses of our people have for years lived on pittance and wages they barely subsist on.

“The cost of living has outstretched their incomes farther than bearable. Inflation is galloping. Power supply is epileptic. Many have no idea where the next meal will come from. Our communities need roads, water, modern health facilities and better schools. Many parents cannot afford a decent meal for themselves and their children. Nigeria has the dubious distinction of having the highest number of out of school children in the world.

“Permit me to reiterate my stand further that the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is well intentioned to bring back the lost fortunes and hope of Nigeria, but Mr. President should not for any reason give chances to individuals who are not in sync with his principles and ideologies of advancing socio-economic growth and development for our nation.” Arisekola stated.