The Deputy Governorship Candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Dr. Reuben Abati has said good interpersonal relationship was key to a smooth industrial relations with the labour unions.

Abati, who spoke at the weekend in Abeokuta during the governorship debate organised by the Ogun State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said in order to maintain a harmonious relationship between labour and government, justice and honesty must be the underpinning principles.

He said since the welfare of the people is the foundation of all labour and government activities, they must do all within their powers to avoid unnecessary rancour.

Abati began the session by reading out the covenant of the Kashamu-Abati ticket with Ogun State Civil/Public Officers.

The document reads, "Sequel to the general undertaking I took regarding my commitment to complete and full remittance of local governments'allocation, I wish to further state as follows:

"Since Transparency is one of the cardinal principles that shall guide the policies of my Administration; I am irrevocably committed to the prompt payment/remittance of cooperative deductions.

"All appointments in the service shall be on merit, and promotions shall be as and when due.

"For career progression, Civil/Public Officers will be encouraged to get to the peak of their careers in line with statutory guidelines.

"Our Administration will ensure compliance with statutory provisions in the discipline of workers and where any perceived injustice exists, it will be reviewed.

"Our Administration will review the Contributory Pension Scheme with a view to making it more workers-friendly."

Shedding more light on the document, Abati said government must be concerned with workers' welfare to guarantee productivity.

Abati noted that Ogun State needs a skilled and successful entrepreneur such as Senator Buruji Kashamu to tap into the immense opportunities and resources of the state to create massive job opportunities for the highly productive yet unemployed youths.

According to him, Ogun State is one of the most richly endowed states in both human and material resources, adding:"All that is needed is a good administrator who will tap into the potentials of the state to unlock the doors of employment."

While answering a question on the alleged dismissal or forced retirement of some labour leaders in the state, Abati said it was wrong to punish labour leaders for fighting for workers' welfare.

He assured that if PDP is voted into office in the state, it will review perceived cases of injustice and do what is right, fair and just.

The former Presidential aide urged labour to support the Kashamu-Abati ticket in taking Ogun State to greater heights.

Candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and the Action Democratic Party (ADP) also attended the debate.