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Organised Labour: Lawmakers Pocket Millions/Week Even Though They're 'Almost Useless And Irresponsible' To The Country

October 26, 2018

“We all are also aware of the millions that senators and representatives pocket as salary and allowances monthly and weekly. This is despite the fact that they are almost useless and irresponsible to the growth and development of the country."

The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has expressed preparedness to embark on a “mass action” in solidarity with organised labour to demand N30,000 as the new minimum wage.

On Monday, the Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and the United Labour Congress had directed its members across the states of the nation to embark on rallies next Tuesday to protest the delay in the approval of the new minimum wage.

NLC President Ayuba Wabba, TUC President Bobboi Bala Kaigama and United Labour Congress (ULC) President Joe Ajaero said the rallies would also serve as a one-day exercise to sensitise Nigerians on the plight of workers.

However, in a statement by its General Secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, UAD said it would mobilise all artisans, students and radical groups within its reach to join the demonstration called by labour unions.

The groups also accused government and the ruling class of displaying "an attitude of oppression" by uniting against the working class in the country while paying legislators millions weekly even though they were "almost useless and irresponsible to the growth and development of the country".

The statement read: “Nigeria is paying one of the worst national minimum wages. In spite of being one of the richest countries in Africa, it pays so little compared to Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, and many other less richer countries.

“We all are also aware of the millions that senators and representatives pocket as salary and allowances monthly and weekly. This is despite the fact that they are almost useless and irresponsible to the growth and development of the country.

“We, in UAD... while we still believe that the initial and congressional position of a minimum wage of N66,500 is the more appropriate demand, the Federal Government must stop insulting the working people by not immediately paying the conceded N30,000."

The UAD further urged the government to immediately start the implementation of the agreed sum, as well as paying all arrears and salaries owed.

The statement continued: “Those who create the wealth must never be punished with poor remunerations. We therefore support the indefinite strike for Tuesday, October 30 by the NLC, TUC and ULC.

“We warn that we will mobilise the civil society and other radical groups to be part of the mass demonstration and other strike actions. We also call on the student movement to unite and be part of the Tuesday actions all over the states.

“We as well call on artisans and informal workers to be part of the strike as the minimum wage will positively improve the lot of other working class layers. UAD finally warns the federal and state governments against intimidating the workers with the illegal 'NO WORK NO PAY.'"