AN APPEAL TO THE ORGANISED LABOUR IN KOGI STATE TO SHEATH ITS SWORD.
The Nigerian Labour Congress has declared an industrial strike effective tomorrow following the logjam in its negotiations with the federal government over the new minimum wage. It is no doubt that the present economic situation has had a deep impact on the disposable income of the Nigerian civil servants following the mismanagement of out past opportunities. But federal government while negotiating with the organised labour will be conscious of the capacity and constraints being faced by majority of the state governments which cannot meet their responsibilities with respect to some range if minimum wage.
Many of these states are highly indebted such that the debt service burden has taken a huge toll on its basket of revenue hence constrained them as their capacity to foot their wage bill and effectively take care of some critical sectors of their economy.
It is in view of these challenges that we appeal to the organised labour in Kogi State to sheath its sword in view of the consequences of the scheduled industrial strike which is capable of adverse effect on human lives, it’s negative impact on the nations GDP and isn’t spiral effect on social vices. The state is purely a civil service one whose economy could easily be drastically affected in the face of any strike. Nigeria is presently going through some social tension and the challenge of terrorism which have had induced induced inflation and increased unemployment.In view of this development, we are appealing to Kogi State chapter of NLC to show some understanding and display some sense of patriotism.
Kogi State has recently been in the bad news of kidnapping of students of Custech, Osara in an attack. However our action Governor, HIs Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo moved swiftly to collaborate with all the relevant security agencies to secure all the students, except for the unfortunate two that we lost. It is therefore only logical that the state NLC review it’s plan and spare our dear state in the planned strike. As we are still mourning the two students and making effort to stabilize the lucky ones who have regained freedom psychologically, having been through trauma and torture. It is only appropriate that Kogi State be given a leeway by sparing it of the agony of going through the industrial tension as directed by the national leadership of NLC.
We trust that our symbiotic relationship will be further enhanced for our mutual benefit of NLC, Kogi State chapter sheaths its sword on compassionate ground.
SO SALIHU
*SSA to the Governor on CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION*
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