*Fight against terror will soon end – President
By Francesca Iwambe, Agboola Oladimeji, Mabeline Amara, Abuja and Ola Adediran, Enugu
President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives , Hon Femi Gbajabiamila and State Governors have commended Nigerian workers over the celebration of International Workers’ Day on May 1.
The Nigerian leaders also praised the workers for their dedication to duties in spite of the numerous challenges confronting the country.
In his message to mark the Workers’ Day, President Buhari appraised the security situation in the country, saying that the battle against terrorism in some parts of the country is yielding fruitful result and will soon be over.
He also gave an assurance that necessary funds will be made available to the military to tackle the security challenges facing the country.
The president further directed increased coordination and cooperation among security agencies, saying that an end has been brought to a silo approach among the agencies, assuring Nigerians that there will be no shortage of funds to provide security for the citizens.
Speaking in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, to commemorate the end of the Holy month of Ramadan, Buhari said: “After a period of fasting and reflection this year, we have cause to welcome the occasion in hope. The battle waged against terrorists who falsely masquerade under the name of Islam is approaching its conclusion.
“The fight has been long and hard. Final victory is within sight. Boko Haram and its offshoots’ final embers are now fading.”
According to the president, “Last month, the leader of ISWAP was killed in an airstrike. Since the New Year, thousands of fighters have surrendered to enter rehabilitation programmes. The territories they used to occupy are now seeing the return of those who were forced to flee their barbarity. Normality is finally beginning to return to the North-east. It is a long process. Yet it is one we are, together, now embarking upon.
“With the designation of bandit groups as terrorists, the challenges of banditry and kidnapping are being tackled differently in the North-western and North-central states where the latest military acquisitions and the Armed Forces are being fanned out across the region to thwart acts of terror.
“The administration is equally getting impressive reports of the special operations to curb crude oil theft and illegal oil bunkering in the South-south, with millions of illegally refined products being impounded and illegal refineries destroyed.
“While we are making progress cleaning the environment, some evil people are busy causing more pollution and destruction.
‘‘In response to the disturbing rise in criminal attacks targeting law enforcement and public facilities in the South-East, concerted military operations to rid the region of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) elements have, in recent weeks, led to the overrunning of IPOB/ESN bases, the seizure of weapons and the arrest of a large number of suspects.’’
On the on-going war against drug abuse in the country, the president stressed that the reinvigoration of the war against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking is also showing positive results as shown by the arrest of over 12,300 offenders including seven drug barons; the conviction of 1,400, counselling and rehabilitation of about 8,000 drug users.
“The seizure of over 3.4 million kilogrammes of drugs and cash worth over N130 billion, all in 2021 has been recorded, while the first quarter of this year has seen the arrest of no fewer than 3,536 offenders including security personnel and a well-known billionaire drug baron. The seizure of more than 65,000 tonnes of assorted drugs in this period sets a record for the nation.”
Senate President wants ASUU to call off strike
Senate President, Dr Ahmad Lawan, has congratulated Nigerian workers over the occasion of this year’s May Day, saying that there is the need to commend the workers for their immense contributions to the development of the country.
Lawan also urged members of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU) to call off their ongoing strike in the spirit of May Day celebration.
The Special Adviser on Media to Senate President, Mr Ola Awoniyi, also quoted Lawan as saying that, “Nigerian workers deserve our appreciations and respects for their contributions to the development of our country. I also salute them for their patriotic cooperation with the government and and other institutions in the collective efforts to address societal challenges.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Labour creates wealth for the nation, the more reason that the welfare of the Nigerian workers should always be accorded priority.
“As Parliament, the National Assembly will continue to partner with the Organised Labour in addressing issues that affect workers and the generality of the Nigerian people.
“Despite the prevailing challenges, the relationship between Labour and the Government should be cooperative in the overall interest of the country.
Speaking on the need for ASUU to call off the ongoing strike, Lawan said, “In the spirit of May Day, I appeal for a speedy and amicable resolution of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the ASUU to ensure that our universities reopen for learning and research.
“We should always be mindful that no society can make meaningful progress without industrial peace and harmony.
“Once again, I say congratulations to all Nigerian workers and wish them a happy May Day,” Lawan added
Gbajabaiamila salute workers
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has joined millions of Nigerians to salute the country’s workers on the celebration of this year’s International Workers’ Day.
Gbajabiamila, who commended the resilience, commitment and dedication of the Nigerian workers, said their efforts would never go in vain.
The Speaker expressed happiness that the Nigerian workers have lived up to expectations over the years, saying that they remain the backbone of the Nigerian working force.
According to Gbajabiamila, every well-meaning Nigerian must identify with the workers because of their invaluable contributions to nation-building.
He also urged Nigerian workers to keep hope alive as governments at all levels, as well as the private sector, are trying to make life better for them.
The Speaker also said that he was proud of the Nigerian workers on the grounds that they have been conducting themselves over the years.
Lagos workers endorse Sanwo-Olu for second term
Lagos State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Funmilayo Sessi and her Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Comrade Olugbenga Ekundayo, along with leaders of trade union organisations have endorsed Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu on behalf of millions of informal and formal workers in the State during the International Workers’ Day at Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan on Sunday.
They said they decided to support Governor Sanwo-Olu’s re-election because he is a worker-friendly governor and has performed very well to deliver on his campaign promises in line with the administration’s THEMES developmental agenda.
The workers through different unions affirmed their support and determination to return Governor Sanwo-Olu during the 2023 gubernatorial elections, displaying signs of 4 + 4 by raising four fingers with both hands during their march past, shouting “4 + 4,” “Sanwo-Olu lekan si” and “Sanwo-Olu for second term,” among other slogans.
The NLC chairman, Comrade Sessi said Lagos workers decided to endorse Governor Sanwo-Olu for a second term because he has performed beyond expectations, considering his remarkable achievements in different sectors in the State.
She said: “On behalf of the workers in Lagos who represent more than 50 per cent of the voting population, we hereby support your second term in office. We the workers are supporting you because you are the hope of the masses. Workers in Lagos stand with you.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, you did not sack workers and even gave palliatives. Even after the pandemic, you are still employing workers. You were also prompt in paying salaries. This is not like that other states. Therefore, anywhere you go, we shall stand with you.”
The Chairman of TUC, Comrade Ekundayo also assured Governor Sanwo-Olu of workers’ support in the forthcoming 2023 governorship election, saying the workers have benefitted a lot from Governor Sanwo-Olu and they know who to support and vote for during the February 11, 2023 year governorship elections.
The labour leaders thanked Governor Sanwo-Olu for fulfilling some of the promises made to the workers last year, among which were the allocation of land for the building of the secretariat of Lagos State chapters of NLC and TUC; donation of 17 official vehicles to unions and allocation of 10 hectares of land at Idera, in Ibeju-Lekki and Akarakumo in Badagry, for the construction of Workers Villages, to which members will be able to subscribe through pocket-friendly mortgage schemes.
During the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu presented the title documents of a parcel of land of sufficient size in the Alausa Central Business District on which the NLC and TUC will build befitting Lagos State headquarters.
Sanwo-Olu, who commended the workers for their contributions to the development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large, said his administration’s development agenda is anchored on the existence of a skilful, productive, competitive and adaptive human resource base.
He said, “To this end, we will shortly be ensuring that a 12-member delegation drawn from our Labour leaders and the Lagos State Government attends the forthcoming International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention in Geneva, to further expose them to international best labour practices.
Speaking on the theme of the Year 2022 Workers Day celebration, “Labour politics and new quest for good governance and development in Nigeria,” the Governor urged them to continue to support the government to deliver the dividends of democracy.
He said, “As we begin preparations for the next general elections, in our state and the country at large, we must keep in mind the robust growth and progress of the last two decades and rededicate ourselves to building the future of our dreams.”
Lagos State Head of Service, Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola in his goodwill message, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for providing enabling environment for the growth and development of workers in the state.
Soludo directs recruitment of teachers in Anambra
Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has directed the recruitment of more teachers into public schools in the state.
Soludo stated this in his speech to mark the Workers’ Day celebration at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka on Sunday.
Commending the workers, Soludo also assured them of safety and better welfare in the state.
He said, “Everyone legitimately and productively contributing to the socio-economic development of Society is a Worker. Thus, if productivity is the common denominator for identifying Workers, I can boldly say May 1st can as well pass for “Anambra’s Day
“I listened carefully as the Anambra State Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and her Trade Union Congress counterpart read out their charter of demands. Together with the various Unions and their leadership, we shall fashion out the best ways to meet these demands within the limits of our lean resources, and in line with the development plan of the state.
“I have also directed the Head of Service to announce the recruitment of more teachers into our public schools. This process must be transparent and merit-based. In the coming days, details of how to apply and the screening method shall be made public.
“I am committed to ensuring the safety and improving the welfare of the Anambra workers. Transforming the operational processes of the state civil service to be in line with the technological realities of the time is one sure vision that must be actualised. I thank the workers for their continued support, urging them to always see their work as a service to humanity.”
Obaseki increases minimum wage to N40,000
In a related development, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has approved N40,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state in commemoration of this year’s Workers’ Day.
The governor, who made the announcement while delivering his 2022 Workers’ Day speech, said his government will continue to prioritize the welfare of Edo workers, equipping them with the capacity and environment to deliver efficient and quality service to the people.
Obaseki said, “As we all know, the minimum of N30,000 can barely sustain a family. It will be immoral and mindless of us to continue to pretend that we do not know that our workers are suffering.
“The government of Edo has now decided to review the minimum for Edo workers from N30,000 to N40,000 a month. Undoubtedly, Edo is the first state since the current outbreak of coronavirus to take this initiative.”
He continued: “Even though we would have loved to pay more, we hope that this little adjustment would enable us to cushion the impact of the inflation that we are faced with. There is no doubt that the financial implications will be heavy and put another burden on the government.
“But as a government, we are prepared to make the sacrifices so that the workers can live a better life. Your welfare is our number one priority.”
Reassuring his government’s relentless support to senior citizens in the state, Obaseki lamented the hardship experienced by pensioners and other senior citizens as a result of rising cost of food and other items.
He said, “I am particularly interested in our senior citizens because they are one of the most vulnerable in our society. We took interest in payments of outstanding pensions to our pensioners in spite of the fact that these pensions were held by the previous administration.
“In view of the prevailing economic circumstances, I have now approved, effective this May, the agreement we reached with the Union of Pensioners that the harmonized amount would be paid from May 2022.
“Government is aware of the difficulties faced by the pensioners due to the non-payment of pension and gratuities to pensioners by previous governments. This responsibility is huge and it will require a substantial part of our resources to settle them.
“However, we are not a government that is known for running away from challenges; we will look for a way to tackle these challenges,” the governor added.
Obaseki however urged workers in the state to take advantage of opportunities offered by his administration in the agricultural sector to increase food production in the country.
Earlier in his address, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. Odion Olaye, urged the Federal Government to step up efforts to tackle the high rate of insecurity, unemployment and hunger in the country.
Gov Abdulrazaq congratulates Muslim faithful, workers
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq has congratulated Muslim faithful on the completion of the Ramadan fast which ultimately heralds the Eid-el-fitr.
Abdulrazaq also commended the state workers over the celebration of International Workers’ Day, saying that the workers have contributed their own quota to the development of the state.
In a statement made available on Sunday ahead of the conclusion of the 30 days of Ramadan fast 1443 A.H., the Kwara Governor described the days and nights of the month as ones like no other during which the (Muslim) faithful proudly competed to outdo one another in good deeds.
He said, “I congratulate our Muslim brethren, and especially the leader of the faithful in Kwara State, the Emir of Ilorin, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari.
“It is my prayer to Almighty Allah to accept it as a worthy act of worship, accept all our supplications in and after Ramadan, set our country on the path of improved security and greatness, grant us the grace to observe many more of Ramadan in good health and best of faith, and reward us with Al-Jannah Firdaus.
“I also commend everyone, including the political class, to carry on the message and spirit of Ramadan even after its completion. Ultimately, power belongs to God and He gives whomsoever He so wishes.”
