The Head of Media of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Benson Upah, has said that the governors who are unwilling to pay the federally suggested minimum wage are a “threat” to Nigeria’s democracy.
He said this while speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday night on a recent statement made by some governors regarding their desire to pay the minimum wage what they deem fit to workers.
Upah addressed the implications of the governors’ actions on democracy saying, “Labour has issued a statement condemning the dictatorial tendencies of some of the governors, and we also want to use this opportunity to say that this category of governors constitutes a threat to our democracy.”
The governors’ stance has sparked significant concern within the NLC and has led to a clear distinction between supportive and non-compliant governors.
“First and foremost, it is important to distinguish between the categories of governors willing to pay the national minimum wage and those in opposition,” Upah stated.
He praised the “patriotic governors” who have demonstrated support and concern for the welfare of workers and the general citizenry. However, he was critical of the “category of governors who are carried away by the law of their office and the security around them,” openly condemning their position and labelling their actions as impudent.
“There is no justification for their unwillingness,” Upah continued, referencing the increase in federal allocations.
“Mr. President has ensured that the money they share at the federal allocation committee has moved from 700 billion to 1.2 trillion. There has been no indication that this enhanced money going to the state government has resulted in an improved quality of life for the citizens. For the governors, it is awoof money.”
He expressed curiosity and frustration at the governors’ reluctance to pay the basic national minimum wage despite the additional funds. “We find it curious that with this additional money coming to them, they can not pay workers the basic national minimum wage. When some governors come out to say that they can not pay, it is an act of mischief intended to create a toxic environment for Mr. President. There will be socioeconomic consequences for this.”
Regarding the NLC’s next move, Upah indicated that it would be contingent on the figures sent to the National Assembly. “Our next move will be dependent on the figure that is sent to the National Assembly.”
He also acknowledged some state governors who have shown positive actions before and after the commencement of the new national minimum wage process. “We are happy with some state governors based on certain indices. First, what they have been doing preceding the commencement of the process of this new national minimum wage. The second is their pronouncements after this process. For example, the governor of Edo State.”
Nancy Mbamalu
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