Come up with workable economic plan to lift Nigerians, TUC tells Buhari

•Deplores unbridled funding of infrastructure with foreign loans
Disturbed by parlous living conditions of Nigerians, the Trade Union Congress (TUC), yesterday, charged President Muhammadu Buhari and the other tiers of government to design a new people-centred and workable economic roadmap.

In a Sallah message, signed by its President and Secretary-General, Quadri Olaleye and Musa-Lawal Ozigi, the union decried the unbridled funding of infrastructure with foreign loans.

TUC said: “This is the time for the leadership at all levels to have a rethink and redraw a workable roadmap capable of transforming the economy of the country. The plight of Nigerians under this administration falls below expectations. We say no to more loans. It has to stop. We are not in a master-servant relationship. Public officials are our employees because they are paid with taxpayers’ money.”

The central labour body declared that Nigerians were going through one of the worst periods of their lives, noting: “The impoverished masses of the country are going through an excruciating experience presently and it behoves the wealthy and the privileged Nigerians to empathise with the needy. Painfully and regrettably, the order of the day has been the flagrant transfer of our commonwealth and loans to foreign banks rather than making it useful for the nation where it is really needed.”

The congress maintained that it desired a country that is peaceful and development-conscious.

“To achieve this, the youths have to be gainfully engaged – not as political thugs. An army of idle youths portends great danger for any society. While we celebrate with our Muslim brothers and sisters, we must be committed to sharing and caring for one another as Allah has directed. We call on everyone to remain self-disciplined and law-abiding, even as we strive to achieve the desired development we crave,” it added.

The organisation said the political leadership must appreciate that Nigeria “is in a dire strait, and the country can only overcome if leaders lead a selfless and exemplary life.”

The statement reads in part: “The harsh economy is taking a toll on a large number of Nigerians and out of frustration many, especially the youths, are doing untoward things just to make ends meet. It is true that only God can help us overcome our challenges, but we must not forget that certainly, we do have a role to play. We expect that this celebration would humble every Muslim in particular and Nigerians in general, in their service to God, and to humanity.”