Human rights activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has expressed that President Bola Tinubu has demonstrated a lack of concern for the well-being of Nigerian workers, emphasizing that the minimum wage should be set at N100,000.
Idam pointed out that proposing N62,000 as the new national minimum wage indicates Tinubu’s indifference toward the welfare of workers. Negotiations between the Nigerian government and organized labor are currently ongoing.
Although the Nigerian government proposed N62,000, labor has adjusted its initial demand from N494,000 to N250,000.
In the midst of these negotiations, Tinubu had pledged to present a minimum wage bill to the National Assembly.
However, in a report, Idam remarked, “The President has not exhibited the attributes of a leader genuinely concerned about the well-being of his workers. The disparity between the demands put forth by labor and the government is glaring. While the President is offering N62,000, labor has lowered its request from N494,000 to N250,000. I anticipated the President meeting them halfway. I expected the President to be discussing figures of N100,000 and above, not N62,000. “I comprehend that state governors are hindering progress by claiming their funds cannot sustain the demand, but this is the time for the President to showcase leadership and convey his commitment to the prosperity of workers during his tenure.
“I am of the opinion that the President has not demonstrated the qualities of a leader dedicated to the welfare of his workers because, if he had, he would be collaborating with labor and addressing the issue of unemployment among Nigerian youths, seeking solutions to alleviate the problem.”
The constitutional lawyer also emphasized that the labor movement’s demands are self-centered since the number of unemployed individuals in Nigeria surpasses those currently employed.
He stated: “I have consistently maintained that the demands of labor are self-serving because the population of unemployed individuals in Nigeria is significantly larger, yet no one is advocating for them. I can assert without reservation that the President has not adequately responded to the labor movement’s demands.
“The President should strive for better, as he has the opportunity to do so and leave a lasting legacy.
“Based on the policies in place, those pledges he made cannot be fulfilled unless he is willing to alter his approach. By doing so, progress can be achieved by involving private sector experts who comprehend the intricacies of driving the economy. Tinubu is surrounded by traditional politicians.
“Nigeria is swiftly transitioning away from conventional politics; the populace yearns for tangible actions and the engagement of technocrats who possess the expertise required to stimulate the economy. This is the crucial necessity in Nigeria at this juncture. The country requires individuals well-versed in economic matters, not traditional politicians who merely seek public approval, pursue projects of little value, and fail to benefit the populace.
“We desire individuals who grasp the aspirations of the Nigerian people. We are eager to see cabinet members who are committed to economic growth, not conventional politicians. By engaging these individuals, the President will demonstrate his readiness to propel Nigeria forward and realize his vision of instilling renewed hope.”
The lawyer cautioned the President, as Nigerians are no longer swayed by political rhetoric.
He observed that Tinubu is unable to fulfill his promises due to the absence of suitable advisors.
Idam added, “The President’s rhetoric is comforting and devoid of deception; it is commendable. However, the pertinent question is, how prepared is the President to follow through with his words? It is insufficient to articulate appealing words that sound comforting. The citizenry yearns for tangible actions.
“We have moved past the campaign phase; it is over. No one is interested in the President’s intentions; those intentions are expected to be actualized now that he holds power. We demand to see results. No President or Nigerian citizen wishes for the country to flounder. No one in the President’s position should emulate the Biblical king who burdened his people. This moment calls for actions, not intentions. We acknowledge the President’s aspirations for success and a positive legacy, but the question remains – is he prepared to deliver?
“We are uninterested in political declarations. Judging by the present situation, I can confidently state that the President is ill-prepared. Either he is surrounded by the wrong advisors or encumbered by a team lacking the expertise needed to drive the economy, devoid of individuals who comprehend the nuances of economic stimulation.
“The President should expand his circle and seek counsel from the Nigerian populace, who are bearing the brunt of his policies. Nigerians have voiced their discontent with the removal of the fuel subsidy, deeming it an ill-conceived policy. A leader who takes action and realizes its adverse effects on his people should be willing to reverse it.
“No one is infallible, and I recognize that 90 percent of the candidates in the last election endorsed the removal of the fuel subsidy, but Nigerians have witnessed its detrimental impact on the nation. The situation has spiraled out of control, the economy is in dire straits, and many are fleeing the country due to hardships. The question remains – are we to persist in this manner with promises unaccompanied by actions?
“We advocate for promises to be accompanied by tangible actions. No one is captivated by the President’s pledges.”
