Tinubu speaks on fall at Eagle Square, minimum wage

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday alerted the National Assembly of his plan to send a memorandum on the final settlement for a new national minimum wage, hinting that his administration will pay what it can afford.

President Tinubu also clarified the circumstances relating to an earlier incident at Eagle Square, Abuja, where he slipped while attempting to climb onto the Military landrover stationed to convey him to inspect a guard of honour mounted by officers and soldiers of the Guards brigade led by their Commander.

It was part of his (Tinubu) role, as the Reviewing Officer and Commander-in-Chief, to inspect the Parade already formed up by the elite brigade to mark the 25th democracy day anniversary.

President Tinubu spoke at the anniversary dinner held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja. The event paraded not just the crème of the Nigeria political and business classes, but also those who participated in the democratic struggle from the military era.

On the minimum wage issue, speaking to the leaders of the National Assembly, represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the President said the government would do what is expected, but would also pay what it can afford.

“Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice from if I’ve changed my mind on minimum wage. Nothing about minimum wage, we’re going to do it; what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all,” the President said.

Responding to the social media reaction after he missed his step and fell while climbing into the landrover vehicle for onward inspection of the parade, Tinubu described the incident as an involuntary action in deference to democracy, saying it was a day worth falling for.

According to him, as a traditional Yoruba ‘boy’ he was doing dobale (Yoruba word for prostrating to greet elders) at the Eagles Square, saying democracy was worth falling for.

“June 12 represent the heart and soul of our democratic struggle in the country.

“Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or doing babaringa but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobalee’ for today.

“I am additionally Yoruba boy, I did my dobale. Democracy is a day that is worthy of falling for.”

Adding colour to the anniversary dinner, five pro-democracy icons, including Professor Bolaji Akiyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani, Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, took the stage to recall President Tinubu’s role in the struggle that eventually crystallized into what is being celebrated.

Among guests at the event were President of rhe Senate, Godswill Akpabio; Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola; and the SGF, George Akume.

Also on ground were the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.

Others were Babagana Kingibe; Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Chief Bisi Akande; Aremo Segun Osoba; Senator Abu Ibrahim

Some of the governors in attendance were Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Usman Ododo (Kogi); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers)

Ministers included those of Justice/Attorney-General, Lateef Fagbemi; Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Power, Bayo Adelabu; Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu; Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari

Others were Senator Shehu Sani; George Mba; Olisa Agbakoba; Tony Elumelu; traditional rulers and members of the diplomatic corps.