Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Abdulwaheed Omar, has criticised the Federal Government for its inability to fix the Abuja-Lokoja road, which caused the death of former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof Festus Iyayi.
Omar spoke in Benin, the Edo State capital, during a condolence visit to Governor Adams Oshiomhole and the family of the late academic.
The NLC president described the late Iyayi as a committed activist who added value to the labour movement in the country.
He said: "We believe that certain factors led to the demise of Prof Iyayi. The Federal Government is highly culpable on the issue of the criminal neglect of the Abuja-Lokoja road, whose contract was awarded over 10 years ago. While other roads have been completed, the Lokoja-Abuja road is uncompleted.
"We believe that if not for the criminal neglect, this accident would not have happened. Also, the executive recklessness on the part of the Kogi Government is glaring. This is said to be the third time that the same convoy was involved in accidents."
The NLC president urged Nigerians to ensure that things are done well to avoid a repeat of such incident.
Omar said the death of Prof Iyayi is not only a loss to his family and the state but also to the labour movement and Nigeria.
He hoped the late Iyayi's legacies would not be allowed to die with him.
The NLC President recalled that the late writer and activist did his sabbatical at the NLC.
Omar described him as a committed person who added value to the labour movement.
He said the NLC would not forget the late Iyayi's invaluable role in the last negotiations with the Federal Government.
Oshiomhole said there were several lessons to be learnt from the death of the late Iyayi.
He said: "The fact that he retired as ASUU president many years ago and yet always identified with ASSU was even part of their struggle decades after he ceased to be their president, is a testimony to the level of his conviction.
"The way we generally drive on our roads is not good enough. Convoys are generally bad.
It was not once, not even twice have I dismiss drivers in my convoy. It is a challenge. Some people think the best way to show power is to oppress. I think all of us must work to get our drivers and security detail to respect the right of the citizens.
"I hope the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), beyond the symbolism of changing licences every year, should really get back to work and justify the huge resources the government spends on it."
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