Independence Anniversary Goodie: Tinubu Increases N25k Low Grade Workers’ Salaries
LAGOS OCTOBER 1ST (NEWSRANGERS)-Following misgivings from Nigerians concerning the removal of subsidy by the Federal Government, President Bola Tinubu has announced a N25,000 salary increment for low grade workers.
Tinubu made the pledge in his Independence Day Broadcast to the nation where he noted that the salary increase will last for a period of six months.
Commenting on the crisis facing Nigerians and the proposed indefinite strike by members of the organised Labour, Tinubu said he was attuned to the hardships that have come.
He said he had a heart that feels and eyes that see.
“I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment.
“Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.
“I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground,” he said.
The president went further to state that reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require.
“We now carry the costs of reaching a future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few.
“A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of an ever fading past,” he added.
According to Tinubu, there is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago.
He said: “I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.
“My government is doing all that it can to ease the load. I will now outline the path we are taking to relieve the stress on our families and households.
“We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.
“Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation.
“For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.
“To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas.
“States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.
“Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key.
“In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation.
“These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.
“New CNG conversions kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process.
“We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.
“This is a groundbreaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.”
On Saturday, the president had assured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to eliminate poverty, terrorism and all other forms of criminality in Nigeria.
He said the Federal Government was currently implementing programmes and policies that would empower Nigerians to combat the challenges of poverty, criminality, and terrorism.
President Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, gave the hint during the passing-out parade of Cadets of the 70 Regular Course, Direct Short Service Course 27 (Army) and Direct Short Service Course 31 (Air Force) of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
As part of moves to deal decisively with the criminal elements, Tinubu noted that his government had embarked on a new era in the country’s national defence and security strategy.
This, he said, would be driven by a resolute commitment to confront the substantial threats and challenges that confront all within the West African sub-region.
“I have directed all heads of defence and security institutions to unite in their efforts to protect our nation’s integrity and well-being, and as Chairman of the ECOWAS, we are diligently working to enhance our regional conflict management and development mechanisms.
“To forge a path towards greater peace, stability, and progress across West Africa and beyond is not negotiable,” he added.
Meanwhile, former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, lamented that the this year’s Independence Day had come at a time when the country was at a crossroads in many aspects of its national life.
In his independence day message to Nigerians, Atiku said that 63 years ago, when this great country acquired independence, it was upon the promise of abundant prosperity and the principle of social justice.
He said: “As a nation, we have continued to struggle to manifest the dreams of our founding fathers in upholding the promises of shared prosperity and social justice.
“We have encountered great moments when the flag of our dear country flew tall on the global stage through the industry of our sportsmen and women, the prolific distinction of our academia and the top notch artistry of Nigerian talents in the global music scene.”
Atiku noted that success – the gallantry of our youth – is the primal element of what “we celebrate today as a nation”.
“Therefore, for me, the challenge before us all is in ensuring that the political leadership in the country that we call home should be worthy of our pride as a people and not of telling embarrassment.
“Our democracy has triumphed so far due to the fidelity of our conviction that a democracy, when properly nurtured, should bring out the best in us and of us.
“As Nigerians, we are all not unfamiliar with the hardships in the economy, security, and other vital aspects of our society.”
But the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, congratulated Nigerians as they celebrate the country’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, stating that the country would be great again.
While calling on fellow citizens and compatriots to keep hope in the country alive, the Speaker said doomsayers and pessimists would soon be disappointed.
Despite the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria, Speaker Abbas noted that the country still has the prospect and potential to reclaim its leadership position in the comity of nations, especially with its abundant human and natural resources.
The Speaker urged the organisedlabour under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve the plan to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday over issues bothering on welfare.
He said embarking on a nationwide indefinite strike at this time would do the country no good. Rather, Speaker Abbas said, it would only aggravate the situation at hand.
Similarly, Senator Jibrin Barau, the Deputy President of the Senate, on Saturday, joined leaders appealing to Nigerians to remain resolute in the promotion of national unity, support and prayers for the government to succeed in its efforts to turn around the country’s fortunes positively.
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, called on Nigerians to work assiduously for the strengthening of institutions of governance to make democracy more responsive to the yearnings of the people.
In an Independence goodwill message to Nigerians, Senator Omo-Agege who is also the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State said all levels of government – federal, states and local governments – should be involved in the task so that all institutions in our democratic dispensation fulfill their constitutional tasks and responsibilities.
Mr. Sunny Areh, Media Adviser to the former Deputy Senate President, in a press release, quoted him as saying that with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man who he said believes in constitutional democracy, as President, Nigerians should join hands with him to build strong institutions.
Also, former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful in the future of the country, stating that “Nigeria is on the path to greatness, despite some of the challenges confronting the nation.”
The former Senate President described the policies introduced by President Bola Tinubu as ‘laudable’, adding that they come with long-term benefits that would overtime strengthen the nation’s economy.
The lawmaker representing Yobe North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, called for support for the Federal Government, noting that the current challenges are only temporary and a situation that would fizzle away with time.
Former Senate Leader and erstwhile Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Chief Victor Ndoma-Egba (SAN), has said that Nigeria was destined to be a great country.
Ndoma-Egba stated this in a statement he issued to felicitate with the government and people of Nigeria on the country’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.
Expressing his view on Nigeria at 63, the ex-Senate Leader said: “We have had a number of missed turns and missed opportunities. That notwithstanding we have also defied many odds and have survived challenges that have broken nations. There could be no better sign that Nigeria is destined for greatness, a destiny she will surely achieve sooner than later.”
He added: “As we work towards the attainment of greatness as an independent nation, there is need for a complete reorientation of values for the leadership and followership for patriotism and integrity. The current political structure of the country delivers underperformance. It should be reviewed.”
On his part, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to support the administration of President Bola Tinubu and all state governments in their efforts to birth a new, prosperous Nigeria.
The governor also implored Nigerians to continue to live with one another in love, unity and peace, irrespective of their religious or ethnic differences, adding that all the citizens’ support and encouragement are key for a better and prosperous Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on the 63rd Independence Anniversary, said Nigerians should unite with renewed determination, hope and commitment to move the country forward against all odds, saying President Tinubu and all the 36 State Governors are committed to addressing different challenges currently being experienced across the country.
“Every October 1st is a time to reflect on the journey of our nationhood, to rededicate ourselves to the task of nation-building, and continue to work hard at building a formidable nation in Africa and the world at large.
“I wish to pay tribute to all of our heroes, past and present, founding fathers, nationalists and those who have laboured and sacrificed and all that continue to labour and sacrifice for peace, unity, growth and development of our country.”
Daily independent
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Posted by News Rangers
on Oct 1 2023. Filed under National.
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