The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki have commended Nigerian workers for their service to the nation as they join other workers worldwide to mark this year’s Workers Day.
The PDP in a statement by its spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan acknowledged the patriotism and resilience of the workers, “particularly for remaining steadfast to the course of nation-building, regardless of the prevailing economic condition of the times,” while Saraki lauded them “for their contribution to socio-economic development of the country, in spite of some economic realities.”
Both spoke through separate statements issued in Abuja on Tuesday.
The PDP statement read: “It is unfortunate that Nigerian workers found themselves operating under an inept administration that does not appreciate their inputs; that has no tangible strategy for their much-needed capacity building and reward system, but only relishes in Greek gifts and official bullying.
“The PDP cautions against such unproductive tendencies. The N30,000 minimum wage should not be a justification for any form of bullying or victimization against the workers.
“ The Buhari-led APC administration must elevate its discourse in understanding that workers welfare is not tied to a minimum wage but in creating conducive working environment, established capacity building and reward system as well as a secure and economically viable environment that enable the workers, and indeed all Nigerians to meet their social and economic needs without stress; as contained in the Atiku Abubakar Master Plan.
“It is however unfortunate that at the time Nigerian workers should have been getting ready to enjoy the benefits of a new order under Atiku Abubakar, the nation is being set back by the ills of electoral manipulations.
“The PDP nevertheless, urges the Nigerian workers not to be despondent, as the mandate, which was freely given to Atiku Abubakar, will be retrieved at the tribunal.
“The party, therefore, calls on the workers, as patriotic Nigerians, to continue to put in their best in serving the nation even as it wishes them a happy Workers Day.”
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The Senate President in his goodwill message commended the leadership and members of the organised labour for their patriotism especially in choosing dialogue over industrial action in resolving trade disputes.
He said: “No nation can develop without a virile and agile workforce.
“It is trite to say that workers are the mainstay of our nation’s economy, since no policy of government, no matter how remote, will succeed without the commitment and collaboration of workers saddled with implementation.
“Having interacted with Nigerian workers and their leadership times without number, I can say without fear of contradiction that the nation’s workforce is among the best in the continent.
“All that is left is to adequately harness their abundant talents and spirit of patriotism to further improve on the nation’s economic and political development through timely and adequate motivation, training and retraining.”
He expressed hope that workers would be encouraged to always put in their best to uplift and sustain the nation’s economy, “in view of the recent signing into law of a new minimum wage of N30,000 urging the public sector, “to work to ensure that the country realized her potentials.”
He called on the leadership of organised labour to continue to discharge their responsibilities in the overall interest of the country.
