PDP Backs Ogun Workers’ Strike, Slams Abiodun Over Pension Crisis

The Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its full weight behind the ongoing indefinite strike by workers across the state and local government levels, describing the action as a just and necessary response to what it calls “criminal neglect” of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Otunba (Arc.) Kayode Adebayo, the PDP condemned the Ogun State Government’s failure to remit workers’ pension deductions to the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), despite deducting these funds consistently for over 14 years.

The party accused Governor Abiodun and his All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government of recklessly tampering with workers’ savings and violating the Ogun State Pension Reform Law of 2008 (as amended in 2013).

“From all indications, the government, as always, has dipped its hands into workers’ legitimate savings with reckless abandon, thereby committing a clear breach of law, trust, and social contract,” the PDP alleged.

The party described the administration as “rudderless” and “irresponsible,” adding that the treatment of the CPS showed “blatant disdain” for civil servants who have faithfully served the state.

Pledging full support for the indefinite strike action that commenced at midnight on Tuesday, July 15, the PDP lauded the organized labour for taking a firm stand.

“This industrial action is not only lawful. It is a moral necessity,” the statement declared.

“We commend the call on all professional associations, including the Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria, to unite in this just cause.”

The party warned Governor Abiodun against any attempt to intimidate, blackmail, or threaten the striking workers.

The PDP also drew attention to what it called the “shameful disparity” in workers’ remuneration across the Southwest region. Despite Ogun State being the second-highest in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) nationwide, workers reportedly receive some of the lowest salaries in the region.

“How does a Level 7 officer earn only ₦18,787 in Ogun when their counterparts in Lagos earn ₦60,751, Osun ₦55,952, and even Ekiti and Ondo pay significantly more?” the PDP queried.“Domestic servant allowance for Level 15 officers in Ogun is a miserable ₦38,387, a disgrace when compared with other states.”

The party described the situation as “a deliberate strangulation” of the workforce and warned that such low pay directly affects workers’ pension and gratuity calculations.

The PDP urged all stakeholders in the state, including the House of Assembly, traditional rulers, community leaders, and well-meaning citizens to demand transparency and justice for workers.

“Enough of the deceit. Enough of the betrayal. Ogun workers have suffered too much under this APC government. This pension abuse must not be added to their renewed hardship,” the statement said.

Reaffirming its commitment to the cause of Ogun workers, the PDP concluded, “Mr Dapo Abiodun must be reminded that the PDP’s solidarity with Ogun civil servants remains unwavering and total. We will continue to stand by them until justice is served.”

The ongoing strike, which has effectively shut down public offices across the state, is expected to intensify in the coming days as labour unions rally more support against what they describe as “sustained injustice.”