Commit to new minimum wage or forget our votes, Abia workers tell guber candidates, others

Nigerian Labour Congress in Abia State has sought the commitment of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to the speedy implementation of the New National Minimum Wage of N30, 000 when passed into law by the National Assembly.

The state NLC vowed that the organised labour would not vote for any candidate who refuses to commit to the new wage.

The group, which came to the Government House on a peaceful rally to press home their demand, vowed that the new minimum wage would determine electoral preference of workers in 2019.

Uchenna Obigwe, chairman of Abia NLC, speaking while presenting their letter to Governor Ikpeazu, said they were counting on the state government to express agreement to their demands and convey same to them.

“The political behaviour of Nigerian workers is contingent upon the expeditious enactment of the new national minimum wage by the legislature before the polls.

“Nigerian workers and their families will not vote for any candidate who hesitates or refuses to commit to the new national minimum wage. For the avoidance of doubt, the new minimum wage will determine electoral preference of Nigerian workers in 2019.

“Nigerian workers and voters will indeed carry their fate to the polling station and indicate on the ballot papers their views on the implementation of the New National minimum wage by the executive,” he said.

Obigwe called on the state government to ensure that arrears of salaries, pensions, gratuities and allowances be equally addressed, adding that they are “ready to partner with the state government if the needful is done”.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his response assured that his administration was committed to workers’ welfare and would continue to prioritise their demands.

Ikpeazu, who was represented by John Okiyi Kalu, commissioner for Information, noted that Abia workers deserve the new minimum wage, adding that his administration was willing to pay whatever that would be agreed upon by the National Assembly

According to him, “Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAS) have been paid up to date. We are worried that some parastatals are unable to pay their staff and the governor has directed that while we are ready to support those parastatals to immediately clear outstanding, all the heads of those parastatals must be prepared for discipline if they fail to pay their staff”.

Ikpeazu assured that pension arrears and gratuities would soon be sorted out.