Nigerian Newspapers
Should Labour Go On Strike Over Fresh Dispute On Proposed Minimum Wage?
“I’m of the opinion that government and organized labour should look for ways to increase production, so that if one has N1000 naira, it will have value.”
Gilbert Ekezie
TUNDE OMITOGUN
IT Consultant
It is better for workers to resolve the matter without going on strike because if they do, Nigerians will suffer and the federal government will as usual, promise to pay, and at the end, they will not fulfil their promise. But then, if they embark on the strike, everything will scatter again.
So, I suggest that the federal government and NLC should sit down and discuss to avoid the strike, though it is understandable that workers are not enjoying as expected. However, even if the government can’t pay the N30, 000 minimum wage, they can devise another package to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerian workers, considering the high rate of goods and services. Besides, if the minimum wage is increased to N30, 000, it could likely lead to inflation.
I am not saying that it is not good to increase workers salary, but when more money is released into the economy, more people will have more money to spend on things, which will lead to increase in the cost of living.
The issue is beyond just sitting down and increasing, there should be a complete 360 degrees package that will favour the labour, the government, the buyers, sellers and the entire society. If they do not want to increase, they should find a way to reduce the challenges they are facing, either by subsidizing some things for them. Moreover, if both parties will have listening ears they should resolve the matter amicably, that will be the best option instead of a strike.
MAYOR JOHN ECHEFU
Activist
In fact, I pity the Nigerian workers because the minimum wage being paid to them is nothing to write about. So, I think their complaints are genuine, especially when you place their wages side by side the lawmakers, elected and appointed political office holders.
No economy survives under the jumbo salaries earned by our politicians, and this is the more reason we should restructure the country and begin to operate true federalism. Under this arrangement, no federating unit would allow these crazy salaries, perquisite political office holders.
Elementary economics teaches us that an increase in wages, without a corresponding increase in production, leads to spiral inflation. So, I am of the opinion that the government and organized labour should look for ways to increase production, so that if one has one thousand naira, it will have value.
However, I am not advising the workers to embark on strike rather, they should reconsider their position, as the strike will not lead Nigeria anywhere. Otherwise, in the fullness of time, it will worsen an already bad situation Nigerians are already into.
ABIODUN OLAYEMI
Educationist
I believe that the government has the resources to take good care of the workers. An average Nigerian worker finds it difficult to survive with the N18, 000 because it is too small. Taxation also takes more chunks of the minimum wage. For me, the amount in question is not too much for them to pay.
It is appalling to hear about the millions and billions of naira being shared at the top by our leaders and representatives, yet the common Nigerian worker cannot receive N30, 000 as a minimum wage. That is very bad for our country. We hear that the recovered loots are already in the country.
Then what are they doing with it? They should take good care of the masses with the money and not allow it lie fallow in the banks, without yielding any returns. Obviously, if the money is being used to pay workers, it will go round and make Nigerians have a better living.
And, if the government should check the pros and cons of paying all those working for them to avoid excesses, it will be better. With the new wage, they can pay rent, feed, cater for their families and do other things. Failure to do that, I think NLC should go ahead with their strike, as that is the only language the government understands.
ADELINE NWAKUNA
Educationist
I do not think, there is a need for the NLC to embark on any strike for now. This is because it will add salt to the already existing injuries Nigerians are nursing.
The masses will suffer and it will paralyze business activities. Also, strike action will bring hitches here and there. We have seen in the past where strikes were embarked and people suffered a lot as a result of the hike on transport fare, hunger, increase in the price of essential commodities etc, in the end, NLC leaders compromised without achieving their aim, probably after being cornered.
Obviously, the workers deserve better packages based on their contributions to the economy of the Country. Unfortunately, the federal government is unable to pay the current N18, 000 minimum wage, not to talk of the new N30, 000. So, I think that NLC efforts may likely be in futile. Moreover, Nigeria has a lot to cater for the citizens, but is unable to live up to expectations.
In a nutshell, the federal government should dialogue with the workers and come out with a genuine and realizable agreement before the November 6 ultimatum given by the NLC to avoid putting the country into more serious challenges.
OLAITAN ADEBOYE
Legal Practitioner
The issue of whether the NLC going on strike is justified, is an objective thing. Though the federal government has pushed the NLC too far, the idea of asking for a salary increase at every slightest discomfort is not proper. Also, the idea of using the strike to press the government to pay salaries is gradually becoming outdated.
The NLC should borrow a leaf from advanced countries on how to solve such issues other than a strike. In the end, it will not be only the government, their primary target, that will be affected, but the entire Nigerians. In the end, it will be an ill wind that will do no one any good. So, it is neither the NLC nor the federal government that is outrightly justified on the issue.
Rather, each has its own portion of the blame. So, they should come together to look for a better way to settle the matter for the interest of Nigerians.
READ ALSO: NLC urges FG to accelerate implementation of new minimum wage
JOEL CHIMA
Businessman
You see, the NLC we used to know was masses oriented, but now, they have lost relevance because people no longer take them seriously. It is not as if N30, 000 minimum wage is much, it supposed to be N50, 000.
Fuel was increased and they did not go on strike, rather, they just murmured and continued work. In fact if not that they have sold out in the time past, Nigerian workers supposed to go home with the sum of N50, 000 minimum wage. As it is, the federal government is no longer jittered by their threats.
Why did they call of the last strike they embarked on? What was their agreement with the federal government before calling the strike off? Unfortunately, they no longer have a bite. And, it seems there is no seriousness in them. That is why they have not been able to achieve their aims like as it was in the past when the NLC was so vibrant and strong. Then, the fear of NLC was the beginning of wisdom.
Nigerian workers no longer have trust in them. NLC dealt with so many companies for not treating their workers well? But is not so this time. Many are seeing their demand as selfish because, in the end, they could be cornered after being bribed by the authority, if they are really serious. I am of the view that they need to ask for their rights through the strike action.
MUTIU OLAKUNLE ALIMI
Legal Practitioner
NLC should explore all available legitimate means in actualizing their demand of N30, 000 minimum wage from the Federal Government. Going on strike should be the last option they should adopt. Whether or not it happens on November 6. Besides, I definitely support an increase in the minimum wage for workers, considering the reality of the economic situation of the country and outrageous, unjustifiable salaries and allowances earn by our politicians in public offices.
CHARLES OBIH
Businessman
Federal government should make dialogue with the Nigerian workers because they are passing a lot of hardship. With the present situation of things in the country, the amount being paid to them is not enough to cope. So, they should be considered to ensure that the strike did not hold as scheduled. The country needs peace and stability and anything that will discourage them should be controlled.
Sourced From: The Sun Nigeria
•Deploy more personnel as army chief vows to wipe out terror group
•Security beefed up at N’Assembly
Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, is under a massive security cordon following threats of attacks by insurgents and the increasing wave of banditry in the contiguous states of Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.
There has been a wave of kidnappings in the outskirts of the federal capital, notably Pegi, Tuganmaje and Kuje among others, which the police have battled in recent times.
The security situation in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was heightened by the pronouncement of the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, that Boko Haram fighters who he said sacked 50 villages in the state and hoisted the terror group’s flag, were about two hours drive away from the FCT.
Security has also been beefed up at the National Assembly as operatives, yesterday, thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The deteriorating security situation nationwide prompted the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, to warn that the 2023 general election may not hold, demanding the declaration of a state of emergency as well as the convocation of a national conference.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, yesterday restated the Nigerian Army’s determination to annihilate Boko Haram.
But the Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Bello Masari, cautioned against declaring a state of emergency, saying doing so isn’t the solution to combat the security challenges facing the country.
The security of the nation’s airports was also in focus yesterday as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said there was no threat to them.
THISDAY’s investigations showed increased presence of troops, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and intelligence operatives at the three strategic entrances to the city notably, Keffi, Zuba and Gwagwalada.
More checkpoints were also mounted around Gwagwalada and Keffi.
THISDAY also observed increased intelligence deployment at the entrance and the borders of FCT with contiguous states.
Beyond the borders, there were more deployments and police patrols inside the city and increased intelligence deployments as well.
Security sources told THISDAY: “There are deployments here and there but they are routine. Alertness is key to a secure environment.”
It was also learnt that security agencies were involved in frenzied meetings throughout yesterday.
The meetings, coordinated by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff under the new joint operational strategy of the armed forces, were aimed at coordinating a joint response to possible threats of attack to the FCT.
“I understand the security teams have been meeting for some days now and if you look around you, you will notice that there are increasing patrols and numbers of security personnel. The threats are not been taken lightly,” a source said.
National Assembly workers, lawmakers and visitors also had a harrowing experience accessing the legislative complex due to heightened security in the area.
Security operatives thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja, impeding both human and vehicular traffic.
The Sergeant-at-arm of the National Assembly and other security agencies supervised the operations, leading to huge traffic build-up inside the complex.
Legislative staff, visitors and lawmakers were seen patiently waiting for their cars to be searched so that they could go ahead with the business of the day.
Some staff and visitors at some point got tired of waiting and were seen alighting from their cars to trek from the gate to the complex.
Meanwhile, the ONSA has said there is no threat to the nation’s airports.
A statement by the Head of Strategic Communication, Mr. Zachari Usman, said the reports of threats to the airports were an internal correspondence of security threat assessment misconstrued as security threat to the airports.
PDP Demands State of Emergency
In a related development, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday demanded the declaration of a state of emergency, warning that the 2023 general election might not hold if the federal government failed to tackle insecurity.
He called on the federal government to summon a national conference to address the spike in insecurity.
Secondus added that the national caucus of the party will meet today to discuss the state of the nation.
Addressing members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, Secondus said: “We are worried Abuja is not even safe. It is no longer politics. We got alert of plots to bomb and burn down our airports.
“We urge the federal government to declare a national state of emergency in security. There is the need to call a national conference to discuss the insecurity in the country.
“There may not be any election in 2023 in Nigeria due to insecurity. This government must listen to the people. The Buhari government should call a national confab to discuss security and state of the nation. It is no longer politics. This time we are not playing politics. Let’s keep politics aside and move the nation forward.”
He said the country had been grounded, regretting that there had been no matching response from the federal government.
Secondus said in the past, terrorism in the North was confined to the North-east, but with the report of Boko Haram occupying villages in Niger State, terrorism had spread to the North-central
“Herdsmen are also menacing in the West; gunmen causing havoc in the East; and the militants in the South; all killing, looting, raping, maiming and burning down homes. The situation is bad; Nigerians all over are living in fear,” he said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the problem of Nigeria was outside of the PDP headquarters, while pledging the support of the Senate to the declaration of state of emergency in security.
Abaribe said he deliberately decided not to speak on the floor of the Senate but to allow the APC senators to speak so as to avoid being accused of giving a partisan colouration to the issue of insecurity.
He stated that only electoral reforms would give victory to the opposition party in the 2023 general election and ensure a democratic defeat of the APC-led federal government.
Also, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, commended the NEC and the PDP leadership for their collective efforts at resolving the House leadership crisis.
The NEC meeting adopted the position of Secondus, calling on the federal government to convoke a national conference to discuss the state of insecurity in the country, according to a communiqué read by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan.
Army Chief Vows to Wipe Out Boko Haram
The army yesterday reiterated its commitment to wipe out Boko Haram.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, told reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State that Boko Haram had been defeated in many encounters and would continue to be defeated until it’s annihilated from Nigeria.
“We will take on Boko Haram decisively, and we are committed to the focus of the operations, which is the total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria,” he said.
The COAS, who was visiting the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri for the fifth time since his appointment four months ago, said the visit was to boost the morale of the troops, reassure them and listen to any issues affecting them.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Farouq Yahaya, lauded the visit, which he said had continued to boost the morale of the troops.
“We are honoured, we are grateful, we are encouraged by those visits. You provided us guidance, logistics and other things we required. We are most grateful for those visits,” Yahaya said.
State of Emergency Won’t Solve Security Challenges, Says Masari
Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Masari, has, however, said declaration of a state of emergency won’t solve the security challenges facing the nation.
Masari, who spoke yesterday with journalists after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at the State House, Abuja stated that he was against the recent call by the House of Representatives for the declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector as it would not solve the problem.
According to him, declaring a state of emergency will not achieve the desired effect as the security structure and personnel to be used to execute the emergency are already overstretched in a bid to safeguard lives and property.
Sourced From: THISDAYLIVE
Tribune Online
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 62 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 165,110. The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Friday. “55 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-21, Yobe-19, Ogun-6, Akwa Ibom-3, Kaduna-2, Plateau-2, FCT-1, Rivers-1.” YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE COVID-19: Nigeria Recorded […]
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Tribune Online
Sourced From: Tribune Online
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The people of the South East region have been urged to explore the power of negotiation and mutual settlement in the face of ongoing killings and security challenges in the zone because the east can not afford another war at present.
Stakeholders from the South-East geo-political zone made the remark on Thursday, at the unveiling of the book, “Igbo, 50 years after Biafra,” written by Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Drainage Services, Joe Igbokwe, held at Ikeja G.R.A.
Speaking at the unveiling of the book, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Cutis Adigba,
urged the people of the South-East to learn to build bridges across the country, so that they can realise their ambition of producing the next president of Nigeria.
Adigba urged leaders from the zone to discourage the move and agitation by some youths in the South East to go to war and secede out of Nigeria.
Also read: Banditry: Disregard viral video, Niger State gov’t urges residents
He said that Igbo have always found it difficult to rule Nigeria because they refused to build bridges across the six geo-political zones that made up Nigeria.
While describing the agitation as uncalled for, Adigba noted that after two decades that Nigeria returned to civil rule, the Igbo has predominantly identified with only one political party.
He maintained that remaining in one party can not advance the cause of the people of South East and cannot make them realise their objective of producing an Igbo man as president.
He maintained that the publisher of the book, Igbokwe played politics outside his state, so that the Igbo race can be integrated with one another race.
Adigba said the failure of the Igbo to reintegrate with other ethnic nationalities politically was responsible for the retrogression of the race in Nigerian politics.
Igbokwe, also addressing guests on the occasion, maintained that the Igbo are not advancing politically because they refused to be integrated into National politics, lamenting that, despite their success in business, they are not successful in playing politics at the national level.
Corroborating Dimgba, Igbokwe noted that there was the need for the Igbo people to stand up and build bridges so that their objective of producing the next president of Nigeria could be realised.
According to him: “I have decided to raise my voice, I hope my people will hear me while trying to quell the effect of the war, our people are spoiling for another war, mayhem is being unleashed in Igbo land, and there is palpable fear.
“Those who could speak have lost their voice, mindful of the consequences of their actions, I am calling on all Igbo leaders to speak up because all actions carry consequences, consequences of the silence will be too dastardly to sustain.
“Those silently supporting the wild wind should be careful or else they hand over to their children,” he said.
Igbokwe urged those spoiling for war to jettison their plan and embrace dialogue, urging them to learn from the South West region that despite the challenges faced after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, they did not go to war, and the region had the opportunity of producing two of her sons for presidential position in 1999.
“You have to build bridges to become president of Nigeria, but it is unfortunate the Igbo are burning bridges.”
Speaking at the event, Chief Uche Dimgba who is the coordinator of Igbo in All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos, described Igbokwe as “a Frank, fearless and reliable leader, who based his views on issues and stand by his opinions, and we the Igbo have confidence in him and believe he can lead us aright.”
“He is a leader we Igbo believe in and we will follow him. If he can serve all the governors produced in Lagos State since 1999, he is a better man to follow because he possesses all the experience that can be of benefit to Igbo both at home and in the diaspora.”
The post Attacks on S’East: We must explore all options of negotiation — Stakeholders urge Igbo appeared first on Vanguard News.
Sourced From: Vanguard News
The government said that no worker should stay back beyond 6:00 p.m. within premises of buildings undergoing construction.
The post Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Sourced From: Premium Times Nigeria
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Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Military, Police Ring Abuja to Forestall Boko Haram Attack
UFC: Usman gets N584m after beating Masvidal
Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings
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