Stop spending money on frivolities, TUC tells governors

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), has advised state governors to stop spending money on frivolities, and concentrate on paying workers the newly-approved national minimum wage. On the new wage being contested by some governors, TUC argued that the economy is ailing and the organised labour is not willing to cause more harm.

However, they further argued that they may be forced to act if the governors do not perform.The union in its message on the celebration of the birth of Prophet Mohammad, said at this time of the country’s national life, it has become very imperative for all Nigerians irrespective of their religious background to cooperate with the progressives to transform and make Nigeria fulfil her manifest destiny.

President of TUC, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said until the citizens uphold the virtues of Prophet Mohammad, with a view to overcoming current national challenges, it cannot achieve much, as ineffectiveness, mediocrity, backstabbing, and impunity have become the order of the day.

They decried the many absurdities in the nation, urging that the unity we once cherished is no longer there because of politics.The union called on Muslim faithful to abide by the teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), which borders on piety, charity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence, among others.

They said if Nigerians read the books and live by their tenets; the country will be a better place, adding that its problem has never been the issue of religion.

On the forthcoming elections in Bayelsa and Kogi states, TUC said: “Elections should not be a do-or-die affair. The enforcement officers must be neutral; and carry out their duty without bias. They should remain committed to the unity of the country, and ensure that the programmes of the federal government are actualised.”

Meanwhile, Olaleye has restated its commitment to improving the welfare of workers across the nation.He stated this in a goodwill message during the election of officers of Labour Writers Association of Nigeria (LAWAN).Olaleye, who is also the President of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (FOBTOB), noted that most labour leaders were junketing with politicians at the expense of embattled Nigerian workers, who they ought to be protecting.

Represented at the occasion by National Treasurer of FOBTOB, Aderogba Adebayo, he said: “The workers are the reason why we are in existence. But most of us in the labour movement today have neglected our core responsibility of defending the right of Nigerian workers.”He said the new leadership of TUC is out to advance the interests of workers everywhere, and urged all critical stakeholders to support it to achieve the goal.

Olaleye commended the cordial relationship existing between the congress and LAWAN, urging journalists to shun sensationalism but rather, strike a balance in their reportage.