Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka has called for governors and national assembly members to be paid the proposed N62,000 minimum wage, as suggested by the federal government. Speaking in an interview with AIT on Saturday, Mbaka was responding to the recent minimum wage demands by organized labor.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had initiated an indefinite strike due to the federal government's failure to meet their minimum wage demands, causing disruptions in essential services. However, the labor unions agreed to pause the strike for a week to allow negotiations with the federal government, which resumed on June 6, leading to the proposal of the new wage.
Mbaka criticized the secrecy surrounding the salaries of national assembly members, which has led to speculation and debate among Nigerians. He warned of the potential for civil unrest if the disparity between the wages of government officials and the average citizen continues.
"We could push these poor Nigerians to the point of rebellion. That is my fear. All of us were in Lagos that day, we couldn’t come back. The labor unions entered the airport and stopped every operation. If this happens again, it could lead to unforeseen consequences," Mbaka said.
He questioned why the proposed N60,000 or N62,000 wage should not also apply to members of the national assembly, including senators, house of representatives members, and governors. "They are all civil servants. So, are the others slaves? I cannot understand why someone should amass billions in allowances for sitting, wardrobe, newspapers, vehicles, and even 'suffering' allowances," he added.
Mbaka highlighted the financial struggles faced by teachers, nurses, doctors, and other civil servants who work tirelessly but are underpaid, especially considering the high inflation rates in the country.
The cleric urged the government to quickly address the minimum wage issue with organized labor to prevent another strike. He emphasized the importance of handling the situation decisively and swiftly, warning that any further delay could exacerbate the crisis, potentially leading to severe and unpredictable consequences.
No comments:
Post a Comment