Different labour groups who are threatening on embarking on a nationwide strike beginning November 6 have advised Nigerians to stock their homes ahead of the period.
The groups: Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), United Labour Congress (ULC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and PSJNC, urged the federal government to stop playing pranks with the welfare of workers in the country.
The NLC chairman in Delta state, Comrade Jonathan Jemiriyigbe, faulted the minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Chris Ngige, as he urged Nigerians to stock their homes with foodstuffs ahead of nationwide strike.
Protesters with placards of various inscriptions, like “No pay, no work”, “We will not go back on N30,000”, “Say no no to modern day slavery”, “N30,000 or nothing”, “Minimum wage is our right” etc; marched from Labour House in Asaba to Government House along Okpanam/Illah road through the popular flyover bridge in Asaba.
“The N30,000 minimum wage will afford Nigeria workers the greater opportunity of purchasing power. So, this rally is to create awareness and correct the way and manner the representatives of the Federal Government, especially the Minister of Labour, had erroneously misled the general public on the outcome of the tripartite meeting, that state Governors cannot pay”, Jemiriyigbe stated.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, who was represented by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Tam Brisibe said if the wages are implemented, his state will comply.
Mr Brisibe said, “Delta state cannot be found wanting in terms of workers’ welfare. The state will pay whatever that is agreed as minimum wage. If it is N1 million, we will pay; if it is one kobo, we will also pay. Out of the 36 states in Nigeria, Delta will not be found wanting on the issue of payment.”
