NLC vows to tackle graft, fiscal indiscipline by politicians
09 September 2024 |
7:07 am
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has promised to confront, head-long, unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline that paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political officeholders with little regard for the suffering masses.
• To fight for minimum wage implementation
• Tinubu’s actions don’t match words, says Aja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has promised to confront, head-long, unchecked corruption and fiscal indiscipline that paved the way for an ostentatious lifestyle among political officeholders with little regard for the suffering masses.
Amid biting economic hardship and a hike in the price of petrol, Kalu Aja, a financial analyst and educator, said President Bola Tinubu’s actions do not match his words.
Stating that the reckless abandon could not be allowed to continue unchecked, NLC said the lavish lifestyles of political officeholders stood in stark contrast to the daily struggles of the average Nigerian worker, creating a chasm of inequality that undermined the very fabric of the society.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said this over the weekend in Lagos, at the yearly workshop organised by the Labour Writers’ Association of Nigeria (LAWAN) on the theme, ‘Challenges of an Emerging Economy: Survival Options for Workers’.
According to him, the hike in fuel price, naira devaluation and the unrelenting increases in electricity tariff have compounded the hardship ordinary Nigerians face.
Represented by NLC Deputy President, Adewale Adeyanju, the Labour boss said the impact of the policies on the everyday lives of Nigerian workers and their families had been nothing short of devastating, strained household budgets beyond breaking point and eroded the purchasing power of the average Nigerian, leading to a situation where even necessities are becoming increasingly unaffordable. He said soaring electricity tariffs forced many households into darkness and stifled small businesses, the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Amid these challenges, Ajaero said the NLC fought relentlessly to secure a fair N70,000 minimum wage for Nigerian workers after sustained struggle and negotiations.
However, despite the victory, he said the implementation of the minimum wage remained elusive and spoke to the nature of the battle ahead. Ajaero maintained that the nominal value of the N70,000 minimum wage was constantly undermined by the prevailing inflation rate, where what was meant to provide a semblance of relief now barely covers basic needs.
AJA stated that “Tinubu’s problem lies in his horde of defenders seeing no wrong in anything he does.”
In a post on his X handle, the financial expert said he was attacked by Tinubu’s supporters when he criticised the President’s long convoy when he visited Lagos.
He also explained that Tinubu proceeded to buy his jet with no pushback and added Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for the First Lady in his very first budget.
The post reads: “Think about it: if the First Lady needed an SUV, many ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) would fall over themselves to provide it; the reason that budget item line was put there was to legitimatise the office; that was a tell to how the President sees the federal resources. With no pushback, Tinubu proceeded to buy his jet.”
Related
3 hours ago
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Fatai Buhari, has revealed that the Senate is working on a bill to regulate
6 hours ago
The Federal Government has told citizens to seek permission before using the country’s national anthem. This was stated this through the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu.
6 hours ago
The Federal Government is targeting an increase in Nigeria’s oil production from its present 1.4 million barrels per day (mbpd) to 2.3 mbpd by mid-2025 due to its successful fight against oil theft.
6 hours ago
Amid confusion, yesterday, the Senate resolved to effect appropriate amendments in the Constitution to ensure full autonomy for local councils. It urged all states and local councils to immediately comply with the Supreme Court judgment
6 hours ago
Former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Edward Adamu, yesterday, told the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja that a former Governor of the bank, Godwin Emefiele, did not follow the procedure in the process
6 hours ago
Stakeholders have raised concerns about the safety of both domestic and international tourists, warning that frequent boat accidents could damage Nigeria's reputation and deter visitors from engaging in water-based activities...
6 hours ago
Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with Google, has launched an initiative to empower 2,500 young creatives in Nigeria through a dedicated training programme delivered by Del York Creative Academy.
6 hours ago
Chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa, yesterday, urged the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) to gather credible data about its members.
6 hours ago
Federal Government will, today, unveil a revised basic education curriculum. The curriculum will be launched at the National Council of Education (NCE) meeting.
6 hours ago
Worsening pangs of life and living in Nigeria are pushing more citizens to the edge, with mental health cases presented in care facilities now 200 per cent more than the previous year’s record.
×
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.