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General News

NLC confirms release of Ajaero

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has confirmed the release of its President, Mr Joe Ajaero from detention.

Mr Adewale Adeyanju, Deputy President of NLC gave the confirmation in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajaero was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport on his way to the UK for a meeting.

Adeyanju said NLC was pleased to inform the public that ”Ajaero was released late last night, at approximately 11:00 p.m following intense pressure mounted by the NLC.

“This is in compliance with the demands issued by the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the NLC.

“NAC had given the government a firm ultimatum, with a deadline of 12 midnight, to release Comrade Ajaero, whose detention was a clear violation of our rights and an affront to the principles of democracy.

“While we celebrate his release, the NLC remains vigilant.

“We will conduct a comprehensive medical check on Comrade Ajaero to ensure that his health has not been compromised as a result of the illegal and unjust treatment meted out to him.

“The well-being of our President is paramount, and we will not rest until we are assured that his health is intact,” he said.

Adeyanju said the NLC “unequivocally condemned” the reckless abuse of power and reaffirms its commitment to standing firm against all forms of oppression, intimidation, and lawlessness.

He said that the NLC stood on its demands on the reversal of the hikes in the price of Petrol (PMS), electricity tariffs and demanded immediate implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.

Adeyanju commended Nigerians, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), affiliates, and the international community for the unwavering support and massive solidarity.

“The NLC will not waver in its duty to defend the rights of workers, and we remain prepared to take all necessary actions to protect these rights and restore justice.

“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC which was proposed for today has therefore been suspended to assess the situation and determine the next steps in our collective struggle.

“The NLC is committed to ensuring that justice prevails and that the rights of workers and citizens are respected. Together, we will overcome these challenges and secure a better future for all,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

LEdited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

Labour Party logo
General News , Politics

NLC sacks Abure-led Labour Party leadership

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voided the return of the National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure and his National Working Committee at a national convention recently held in Nnewi, Anambra state.

in a communique issued at the end of the NLC Political Commission Stakeholders meeting in Abuja, the Congress passed a vote of no-confidence on the purported convention and the leadership that emerged from it.

The communique, made available to newsmen in Abuja, was signed by Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, Chairman, NLC Political Commission, Mr Abdulwahed Omar, former President, NLC, Mr S.O.Z. Ejiofor, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Labour Party, among others.

According to the communiqué, NLC approved the constitution of a Transition Committee under the leadership of the NLC Political Commission to manage the affairs of the party in the interim.

The stakeholders resolved that the transition committee should conduct the affairs of the party pending the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention.

They also noted that, once constituted, the transition committee should fully take over the secretariats of the Party all over Nigeria.

“That the Transition Committee shall immediately set up an assets recovery process of all the properties of the Labour Party.

“The Transition Committee shall also ensure that all the cases of fraud, impersonation and forgery of government documents pending against a few discredited former officers of the Labour Party are forensically audited.

“It should ensure that the culprits are diligently prosecuted as demanded by leader of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi.

“It is unfortunate that the actions of these few dishonourable characters have splashed mud on the white satin of Labour Party,” the stakeholders held.

They held that that the Transition Committee should, within three months of its constitution ensure the conduct of an inclusive national convention of the Party.

They added that the process should start from ward congresses to local government congresses, then to state congresses and culminating in an all-inclusive and expansive National Convention in Abuja.

”In pursuant to the foregoing, the Transition Committee is mandated by the stakeholders meeting to begin the process of revalidation of current members of the Labour Party.

“Also the registration of new members through the issuance of new membership cards and receipt of membership dues for the purpose of the conduct of an all-inclusive and expansive national convention of the Labour Party.

“It is expected that this mobilisation drive will yield in the first instance a total membership strength of 10 million,” they held.

The stakeholders said, with the communiqué, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all the relevant security organisations in Nigeria were hereby notified of the new development in the party.

They agreed that INEC, others should be officially written immediately to recognise the Transition Committee as the interim leadership of the Labour Party.

They reiterated that Labour Party is a party for all Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious, regional, social and economic orientation or status. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero and Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, CEO, XEM Consulting Limited, a subsidiary of XEM Group, organisers of the maiden Pre-retirement Summit, during the visit to Labour House in Abuja
General News , Metro

Make retirement easy for workers, NLC urges FG, states

By Joan Nwagwu

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, has urged the Federal Government to make retirement easy for Nigerian workers, especially now that the country is facing economic challenges.

Ajaero made the plea on Wednesday when he received a delegation from the XEM Consulting Limited, a subsidiary of XEM Group, organisers of the maiden Pre-retirement Summit, scheduled to hold in Abuja, from April 24 to April 25.

The visiting team was led by Dr Eugenia Ndukwe, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of XEM Group.

Ajaero said that a lot had been said about contributory pension without significant improvement from the regulators.

“Majority of the states have not started keying in, and one begins to wonder the essence of enacting a law.

“Even when the law criminalised none participation, no state has been prosecuted, fined or levied,” he said.

Ajaero regretted that pension matters in the country was becoming more of rhetorics rather than action.

He, therefore, urged the federal and state governments to take seriously the issue of workers pension and ensure they enjoy life after retirement.

“Government in this business is not just employers of labour, they are regulators, and if regulators are not doing anything, then there is problem.

“We are the main victims; even when people retire, the Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) find it difficult to pay them, thereby making it a difficult long journey to access their money,” Ajaero added.

Speaking earlier during the visit, Ndukwe who is also a business development expert, said there would be opportunity at the summit to train prospective retirees on various skills, before they retire.

She said the summit was carefully planned to examine the retirement policies in the country, the challenges faced by prospective retirees and proffer a solution to it before they retire.

Ndukwe also said that experts from China, Canada and some European countries would be attending the summit to give their country’s perspective on pension reforms.

This, she said would be to find solutions to the challenges faced by retirees in Nigeria.

“We are bringing global participants to tell us what is happening in their countries, so that we will know how to utilise their own case study. Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan, Head of Service of the Federation, will be the keynote speaker.

“Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be in attendance during the panel session to represent all the state governors, while Mr Adewale Tinubu, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Oando, will be representing the private sector.

“We will also have the MD of Smart Meters Malam Ibrahim Babagana will also participate in the panel session.

“The second phase of the programme will be the technical session where participants will be taken through knowledge and skill acquisition that will help them prepare for retirement.

“They will know how best to invest their money, the kind of businesses they can venture into after retirement and what decision they can make with the little money they have available.

“The third phase of the programme is the award. We want to recognise very few states, individuals, public servants who have contributed immensely to the reforms currently taking place around pension matters,” Ndukwe said.

According to her, there will be experts presentations by Prof. Du Pang, Director, Institute of Gerontology, China, and Mr Tajudeen Afolabi, Pioneer DG of PENCOM.

She added that the summit was open for government, private and public sector workers as well as financial institutions, labour unions, pension fund administrators and civil society organisations.

The summit will also feature technical sessions, networking sessions and awards in recognition of the contributions of institutions and individuals promoting the welfare of retirees in the country. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero
General News , Metro

NLC seeks new National Minimum Wage commensurate with cost of living

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the commencement of negotiation of the new National Minimum Wage in 2024 would be based on the prevailing cost of living in the country.

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this at the ongoing 19th edition of the NLC 2023 Harmattan School, organised by the Congress on Tuesday in Abuja.

The theme of the event is “Building Workers’ Skills for Policy Engagement”.

The Harmattan School is part of the NLC National Schools where it trains and empowers members of its affiliated unions through skills development.

Ajaero, represented by Mr Benjamin Anthony, Vice-President of NLC, said it was necessary for government at all levels to recognise that life and living conditions were exceedingly difficult.

“The removal of subsidies on petroleum products has further worsened the challenges faced by working people.

“That is unleashing severe pain and contributing to galloping inflation and increasing inequality and poverty.

“We must reckon that a well-motivated and well-remunerated workforce has a positive impact on productivity and national development.

“As we anticipate the commencement of negotiations for the National Minimum Wage in 2024.

“We seek the understanding of all stakeholders to ensure that we use this opportunity to arrive at a minimum wage commensurate with the prevailing cost of living,” he said.

He said that the ultimate goal would be to establish a living wage that would cover the cost of living and make allowance for some savings by the workers.

Ajaero said that the recent assault on workers and their leaders in Imo poses a grave threat to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

“This is as enshrined in Section 40 of the 1999 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended and the ILO Conventions 87 and 98 on Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining.

“This should unequivocally be condemned by all people of goodwill. The only thing that can assuage our pains is for the Imo Government to address all labour issues.

“They are also to return the so-called ‘ghost workers’ to their jobs, pay all outstanding salaries and pensions and call back all victimised workers to their jobs,” he said.

On the theme of the event, he said it was apt given the importance of skill and knowledge in policy processes and engagements.

“In the ever changing world of work, as trade unions, we should prepare ourselves to engage with the employers in the workplace and government in the interest of the workers and the masses.

“In order to efficiently engage in any policy, the trade unions must equip their members to understand policy making processes, its implementation, monitoring and evaluation,” he said.

Speaking, Dr Vanessa Phala, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Country Director to Nigeria, said the world of work was undergoing rapid changes, driven by technological advances, climate change, among others.

She said that these changes were affecting workers and trade unions, thereby posing new challenges and opportunities for collective action and advocacy.

According to her, trade unions remain critical stakeholders in promoting workers’ rights, improving working conditions, and advancing social and economic justice.

“Against this context, there is no better time than now for a serious and strategic reflection on the role that organised labour executes in policy engagement and dialogue.

“This 19th edition is dedicated to reflecting on the pertinent question “how can trade unions build power and transform their organisations in the context of rapidly changing economic and labour market policies”.

“The need for strong, democratic, independent, and representative workers’ organisations, effective and adequately resourced labour administrations.

“Also the robust and inclusive social dialogue institutions and processes remain fundamental, especially in times of crisis and recovery,” she said.

She added that these institutions are the bedrock of labour market governance, a prerequisite for social justice and the building blocks for the delivery of policy engagement driven decent work solutions.

Phala said policy engagement was a facet of social dialogue and that for the ILO, social dialogue in all its forms was crucial for policy coherence and effective crisis and resilience management.

“It is also a key governance instrument in managing and responding to transformations in the world of work.

“In this regard, the exigency of the theme of the 19th Harmattan School becomes even more pertinent, especially in elaborating the role trade unions play in policy engagement.

“This is particularly as it relates to advancing policy options for improved governance and conditions of the working people in Nigeria,” she added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Metro

Labour Unions suspend strike for 30 days

 

By Ismail Abdulaziz

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have agreed to suspend the industrial action planned for Oct. 3 for 30 days.

At the end of a five-hour closed door meeting, the Union leaders said that all the agreement have been given a time line for implementation.

The agreement was signed by representatives of government and the leaders of the joint union.

The highlights of the agreement is outlined this:

Arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by the Federal Government and the resultant increase in the price of the commodity, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a strike notice which had elapsed and they were poised to embark on a strike billed to commence on Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

Consequently, a meeting was called by the Federal Government to avert the strike and after much discussion, the following agreements were reached:

1. The Federal Government grants a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only to all Federal Government workers beginning from the month of September pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

2. A minimum wage committee shall be inaugurated within one month from the date of this agreement.

3. Federal Government suspends collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) on Diesel for six months beginning from October, 2023.

4. Federal Government accepts to vote N100 billion for the provision of high capacity CNG buses for mass transit in Nigeria. Provisions are also being made for initial 55,000 CNG conversion kits to kick start an auto gas conversion programme, whilst work is ongoing on state-of-the-art CNG stations nationwide. The rollout aims to commence by November with pilots across 10 campuses nationwide.

5. The Federal Government plans to implement various tax incentive measures for private sector and the general public.

6. On the leadership crises rocking the NURTW and the purported proscription of RTEAN, the Federal Government commits to handling Labour matters in line with relevant ILO Conventions and Nigerian Labour Acts. A resolution of the ongoing impasse is expected by or before October 13.

7. The issue of outstanding Salaries and Wages of Tertiary Education workers in Federal-owned educational institutions is being referred to Ministry of Labour and Employment for further engagement.

8. The Federal Government commits to pay N25,000 per month for three months starting from October, 2023 to 15 million households, including vulnerable pensioners.

9. The Federal Government will increase its initiatives on subsidized distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the country.

10. The Federal Government should urge State Government through the National Economic Council and Governors Forum to implement wage award for their workers. Similar consideration should also be given to local government and private sector workers.

11. The Federal Government commits to the provision of funds as announced by the President on the 1st of August broadcast to the Nation for Micro and Small Scale Enterprises. The MSMEs beneficiaries should commit to the principle of decent jobs.

12. A joint visitation will be made to the refineries to ascertain their rehabilitation status.

13. All parties commit to henceforth abide by the dictates of Social dialogue in all our future engagements.

14. The NLC and TUC accept to suspend for 30 days the planned Indefinite Nationwide strike scheduled to begin, Tuesday, the 3rd of October, 2023.

15. This Memorandum shall be filed with the relevant Court of competent jurisdiction within one (1) week as consent judgment by the Federal Government.

NAN reports that the agreement was signed by Minister of Labour and Employment, Minister of Information and National Orientation and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment for the government side.

The president and Secretary General of NLC and TUC signed on behalf of the unions.(NAN)

Judiciary

Refrain from actions capable of undermining subsisting court orders, FG tells labour

By Ebere Agozie

The Federal Government has called on labour unions to shelve their proposed strike and refrain from actions capable of undermining the subsisting court orders.

It made the call in a letter signed by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, and addressed to Falana’s law firm, counsel to the labour unions.

The letter was copied to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chief Of Staff to the President, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police and the Director-General, State Security Services.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the National Industrial Court had on June 5 restrained NLC and the TUC, from embarking on any industrial action over the removal of fuel subsidy.

The minister argued that the plan by both labour unions would violate the subsisting order of the court if they embark on the indefinite strike from October 3.

He told the unions to respect the order of the court and allow room for ongoing negotiations between them and the Federal Government.

“These are undoubtedly issues that have been submitted to the National Industrial Court for adjudication.

“Therefore, the proposed strike action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted on June 5 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the pending motion on notice.

“We wish to reiterate that a court order, regardless of the opinion of any party on it, remains binding and enforceable until set aside”.

Fagbemi noted that it is the expectation of the public that the labour unions would lead in obedience and observance of court orders and not in its breach.

“It is, therefore, the earnest expectation of this office that your distinguished law firm will advise the labour unions on the need to protect the integrity of courts and observe the sanctity of court orders.

“Consequently, you are kindly requested to impress upon the organized labour unions to note the fact that their proposed strike action is in gross breach of the subsisting court order, as well as the appropriateness of addressing their grievances/demands within the ambit of the law.

“Hence, the need for them to be more accommodating and show greater appreciation of the effect of the order of the court, by shelving the strike action.

“The foregoing will afford parties more room for further mutual engagements, for a holistic and sustainable resolution of all outstanding issues on this matter in the overall national interest,” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

General News

CSO opposes NLC planned strike

 

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

A Civil Society Organisation under the aegis of Civil Society and Workers Dialogue Forum (CSWDF) has expressed its disapproval of the proposed strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) scheduled to commence on Tuesday, Oct. 3.

The organisation in a statement issued by its Convener, Abubakar Ibrahim and Rafiu Shaibu, Co-convener, Bashir Faisal, in Abuja on Wednesday described the action as an economic sabotage.

It described the planned action as a deliberate mischief given that the NLC is insensitive to its own part of dialogue with the Federal Government over the petrol subsidy removal impasse.

The CSO assured that it would always lend its voice if the NLC decides to toe the path of nobility, embrace dialogue and shelve the strike.

The CSO said the NLC had fully agreed to the withdrawal of fuel subsidy which it had earlier advocated for.

It added that “having the subsidy that has been draining government for years removed should be supported by all stakeholders, rather than ‘evil kick’ as it were.”

The group said it acknowledged difficulty faced by Nigerians and explained that the Federal Government had made deft moves in rehabilitating the refineries to reduce the cost of PMS and gas importation.

It added that the recent distribution of palliatives to the tune of N5 billion to each of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory is part of efforts to mitigate the effects until things normalise.

It added that no government anywhere in the world derives pleasure in the suffering of its people.

“The wage increase of workers is being negotiated with NLC constituting membership of the committee, hence we are appalled at what the proposed strike intends to achieve.

“As opposed to the past, the NLC has always been on the negotiation table before any decision was taken by this administration,” the group said.

The CSO recalled that in June 2023, “the labour union was in talks with the Federal Government over fuel subsidy removal without carrying other stakeholders along which we protested our exclusion.

“Having agreed with President Bola Tinubu’s administration, only for the workers union to recant and proposed an indefinite strike is counter-productive and we will mobilise our members across the 36 states and FCT for anti-NLC protest,” the CSO said.

 

It added that the statement should serve as official notice to the Director of State Service, Inspector General of Police and other security agencies, that it is going to mobilise to streets against NLC on Oct. 3.

 

The group said that some states had purchased buses for public transportation and has also added fund to the FG’s offer to them to cushion effects of the subsidy removal in their respective states.

It insisted that the proposed strike is inappropriate thereby calling on citizens not to allow themselves to be used against the genuine interest of government.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Economy/Business

NLC tasks govt on implementation of tax justice 

 

By Felicia Imohimi

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has advocated for a proper implementation of tax justice to enable higher income earners in the country pay higher taxes than low income earners.

Mr Eustace James, NLC Focal Person on Tax Justice, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.

“Those who occupy public offices, those who erect mighty buildings with public funds and yet they don’t pay taxes should be made to pay taxes accordingly, ” he said.

James was speaking at the Fiscal Accountability for Inequality Reduction (FAIR4ALL) Project Media Colloquium and Exhibition organised by Oxfam Nigeria supported by Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He decried the system where low income earners and the vulnerable in the society pay higher and double taxes while those occupying high public offices do not pay taxes.

“Tax justice is about bringing equity and justice to tax payment, about people paying based on what they earn.

“It is about eliminating extortion and exploitation of the poor as well as taxing on the basis of pure justice, ” he said.

James, who identified tax justice as key to decent work, added that tax is the most sustainable means of public finance.

“So, tax is an obligation of every citizen but what has been the issue in Nigeria is that the poor pay more than the rich.

“When you talk about tax net expansion, it is not about taxing the poor more, it is about taxing the rich who are not paying tax in order to contribute to the tax basket, ” James said.

He explained that the poor are those that are exploited and extorted in the name of multiple taxations while the rich keep invading and avoiding taxes.

According to him, tax justice campaign has brought tax payment into the limelight to address inequality and injustice.

“We, in NLC has no option than to key into this campaign and to also be the champion of tax justice and good governance, ” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Julius Toba-Jegede

 

General News

We’ll continue to advocate health insurance scheme for retirees–NLC

By Esenvosa Izah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it would continue to advocate inclusion of retirees, both in the private and public sectors, in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

Its Assistant General Secretary, Mr Chris Onyeka, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

Onyeka, who noted that the new health insurance bill signed into law on May 19, 2022 sought for a universal health insurance coverage, saying “it therefore, meant everybody was covered including retirees.”

According to him, if such act is in place and operational, then the issue of health insurance for retirees would have been laid to rest because there is a framework already in place that captures them.

“That is the dream of every trade union leader: to ensure that everybody gets coverage; so, there is one thing to make law, it is another thing to operationalise it.

“The problem we have now is that of operationalising it especially funding the scheme itself has to be worked out.

“Although, it is also included in the law how the scheme will be funded, but it has not become fully operational.

“Therefore, as trade unions, we will have to continue advocating and pushing for the implementation of the universal health insurance scheme.

“Also, we will advocate a targeted health insurance scheme for pensioners or retirees: that is also part of our responsibility.

“Trade unions exist to articulate, protect, and project the rights and privileges of workers wherever they may be,” he said.

The labour leader, however, said what was key was the issue of improved social security and protection for retirees.

According to him, if there is a robust social. protection system, it will also guarantee greater access of pensioners to the health benefits.

“It is all about protecting the vulnerable.

“In the private sector, they have more pensioners or retirees who are covered after retirement.

“We will continue our advocacy outreach to ensure they are included in the health insurance scheme,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

NLC members during a protest
General News , Metro

NLC begins nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it will commence a two-day nationwide warning strike from Sept. 5 to 6,except the Federal Government addresses the excruciating suffering of the masses.

Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President said this while addressing newsmen at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the congress on Friday in Abuja.

Ajaero while reading the communiqué jointly signed by Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of the Congress, said the resolutions were reached after exhaustive deliberation.

According to him, NEC in session resolved to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today.

“This is until steps are taken by the Government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.

“To commence a two-day nationwide warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday from Sept.5 to 6 to demonstrate our readiness for the indefinite strike later in the month .

“To also demand that the State vacates the illegally occupied National Headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

“To embark on a mass protest and rally in Imo within September in preparation for a major shutdown of the state.

“This is to compel the State government to stop the abuse and violation of the rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in the state, ’he said.

He also added that to begin the shutdown of the operations of Air peace Airline, and other companies in the Aviation sector that were involved in serial violation of the rights of workers in the sector.

The NLC president said this was to ensure freedom of Association and to collectively bargain.

He called on communities around the nation to stop taking laws into their hands but report to the authorities for amicable resolution.

He said that this was on any matter involving members of the Amalgamated Union of Food Stuffs, and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) which is one of our affiliates.

He urged the new FCT Minister, Mr Nyesome Wike to desist from threatening poor masses with demolition of their properties, and focus more on making houses available to the people.

“He is not a minister of demolition and should be prepared to meet Nigerian workers and citizens on the street if he carries out his insensitive utterances,” ‘he said.

Ajaero said that NEC had deeply analysed the prevailing national sentiment, taking into account the extensive hardships and deprivation afflicting the citizens across all states of the federation.

He said the council scrutinised the Federal Government’s failures to establish essential structures to address the widespread suffering in our nation.

He also noted that it considered the government’s deliberate neglect and disregard for engaging with national stakeholders through the channels of social dialogue.

“This is a commitment it had solemnly declared during the President’s inaugural address on May 29,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh