Politics |

June 11, 2024

June 11, 2024 IFMNEWS

Jonathan Advises Tinubu to Establish a Frictionless Democracy

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged President Bola Tinubu to foster a democracy where citizens can freely express themselves without conflict. Speaking at a symposium commemorating 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria, held at the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja, Jonathan emphasized the importance of inclusive governance.

"Together, let us build a Nigeria where every citizen has a voice, where opportunities abound, and where the promise of a better tomorrow is not just a dream," Jonathan stated. "We must not hand over to our children a democracy built on the politics of a region or religion."

He suggested that the National Assembly should explore models that address the underlying causes of the country's "do or die" political culture, which he described as detrimental to democratic consolidation.

Jonathan also highlighted Tinubu's responsibility to ensure that the next 25 years of democracy begin on a positive note. "For the honorable Vice President, we hope you will build more infrastructure, improve the quality of education, and enhance facilities. One key aspect is building a democracy that reduces friction," he added, referencing the disruptive nature of the numerous litigations that follow each election cycle.

He called on the political class and elites to lead by example, emphasizing that their lifestyle should reflect their role as elected representatives of the people. He pointed out that a democracy where political officeholders' children are seen flaunting wealth is not the democracy Nigerians aspire to witness.

Jonathan criticized the winner-takes-all approach in Nigerian politics, noting that it promotes discord. He advocated for a more inclusive political model that reinforced social cohesion. "If a political party, for example, gets 30% of votes during an election, either at the national or sub-national level, the party should have something to go home with," he said.

The event, which Jonathan chaired, was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, and other notable guests. Jonathan concluded by stressing the need for a model of democratic practice that is inclusive and fosters political justice.

June 10, 2024

June 10, 2024 IFMNEWS

Minimum Wage Negotiations Conclude Today, Labour Awaits Tinubu’s Approval

The negotiations for the new minimum wage between the Federal Government and Organized Labour are set to conclude on Monday (today) as the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) await President Bola Tinubu’s decision on their N250,000 proposal.

The labour leaders had set a deadline for Monday to finalise the discussions on the new minimum wage. Last Friday, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage wrapped up its meetings where the Federal Government and the Organized Private Sector agreed on N62,000, while Labour pushed for N250,000. However, the Nigeria Governors Forum stated that any minimum wage above N60,000 would be unsustainable.

Speaking anonymously for security reasons, Labour leaders indicated that they are waiting for the President's decision on the committee's proposals. NLC President Joe Ajaero and other union officials have left for a labour conference organized by the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland. Based on the President's feedback, they plan to hold a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting upon their return to decide on further actions, including a potential strike.

A top NLC official mentioned, “We have submitted the report to the president and are waiting for his decision. That is the most important thing, and that is what we are all waiting for. As it stands, some of us are on our way to Geneva for the ILO conference.”

Another source within the NLC confirmed the report's submission and the anticipation of the President's action. They highlighted the importance of the NEC meeting to address the ultimatum once they return from Geneva.

Last Monday and Tuesday, Organized Labour, including the NLC and TUC, conducted a two-day nationwide strike to demand a new minimum wage and the reversal of the electricity tariff hike. The strike was suspended for five days after a commitment from the Federal Government to resume negotiations and establish a new minimum wage within a week. This followed a six-hour meeting between labour leaders and the National Assembly.

To expedite the process, President Tinubu instructed Finance Minister Wale Edun to present the cost implications for a new minimum wage within two days. On Thursday, Edun, alongside the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, presented these cost implications to the President at the Presidential Villa. Tinubu also directed government representatives to collaborate with the organized private sector and sub-nationals to achieve an affordable new wage for Nigerians.

June 7, 2024

June 7, 2024June 7, 2024 IFMNEWS

Presidency Denies N105,000 Salary Claim as Labour Awaits Tinubu’s Proposal

On Thursday, the Presidency refuted claims that the Federal Government proposed a new minimum wage of N105,000. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, labeled the report as false.

This denial followed a presentation to President Bola Tinubu on the cost implications of implementing a new national minimum wage. Ministers Wale Edun (Finance) and Atiku Bagudu (Budget and National Planning) submitted the template. Edun confirmed the submission and reassured the public that there was no cause for alarm, but speculation arose that the template included a proposal for a N105,000 minimum wage.

Onanuga addressed the rumor on his X account, denying that Edun proposed N105,000 as the new minimum wage. Meanwhile, the Tripartite Committee on National Minimum Wage postponed its meeting until Friday due to the unavailability of the cost template. This was the second postponement in 24 hours. President Tinubu had previously directed the finance minister to present the cost implications within two days during a meeting with the government negotiation team.

Although the template was submitted earlier on Thursday, it was not presented to the Federal Government and Labour representatives during their two-hour meeting, leading to another adjournment. Senior labour movement members expressed frustration over the lack of progress, with a Nigeria Labour Congress leader expressing concerns about the approaching ultimatum deadline.

Due to slow negotiations and the government's failure to reverse the electricity tariff hike, Labour initiated an indefinite strike on Monday, disrupting economic activities nationwide. Banks, airports, public schools, and courts were shut down, prompting an emergency meeting by the Federal Government.

In an effort to advance negotiations, unions announced a five-day suspension of the strike on Tuesday after the President agreed to a national minimum wage higher than N60,000. The tripartite committee committed to daily meetings until a new minimum wage is established. The suspension followed a six-hour meeting between labour leaders and the National Assembly on Monday night.

To expedite the process, President Tinubu directed the finance minister to present the cost implications for a new minimum wage within two days. He also instructed government representatives to collaborate with the private sector and sub-nationals to achieve an affordable wage award for Nigerians. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, affirmed the President’s commitment to the committee’s resolutions and the welfare of Nigerians.

Labour, in response to the President's intervention, announced a one-week suspension of the strike to facilitate negotiations with the Federal Government. This decision was communicated in a joint statement by the NLC and TUC on Tuesday.

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Category: Politics

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