Politics
THE United Nations had long ago set aside every 1st day of May annually to celebrate workers globally. As workers celebrate their day,some critics are of the opinion that the Nigerian workforce are grossly underpaid. In Nigeria,the plight of the Nigerian worker vis- a -viz its hyper inflation status is worrisome as over 80% of workers in Nigeria are living below poverty level. To add salt to injury,the inadequate attention paid to the Nigerian worker by the political class, and the monumental corruption in the nation's body polity are hydra headed monsters which have further impoverished the nation's work force. Although the take home pay of workers is nothing to write home about in Nigeria,the Professor Chukwuma Soludo administration in Anambra state has toed the path of some of its previous administrations which enhanced the take home of workers by 10% upward review of workers salaries effective from January this year. In a message to workers in their May Day celebration, a human rights activist and Lawyer in Awka Mr.Emmanuel Okechukwu Junior suggested a new minimum wage of one hundred thousand naira for workers in Nigeria. Mr.Okechukwu junior urged the Nigeria Labour Congress to go beyond canvassing for workers welfare,and to throw its weight in pressing for other populist demands vegging for attention. On his part,an Ifite Dunu based medical expert,Dr.Johnson Ezedinachi also advocated a minimum wage of one hundred thousand naira for workers who are grossly underpaid, and who deserve to be motivated. In a May Day message, an indigene of Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government area,Chief Chukwudi Okonkwo called for an implementation of a minimum wage of sixty thousand naira for workers. According to chief Okonkwo,the Nigerian government should pursue peace,stop importation of foreign products,encourage farmers to launch the country from it's consumption status to productive capacity. The community leader commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his roads rehabilitation giant strides in the state. Contributing, the Executive Secretary Local Government Staff Pensions Board Dr.Gloria Obiorah- Ibezim thanked Governor Soludo for enhancing the salaries of workers by 10%,and the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities of state retirees. Dr.Ibezim called for the upward review of workers salaries in the state. In another message,the traditional ruler of Ezinato Igwe Timothy Ezenwaka felicitated with workers globally for their efforts,and in a special way urged governments at all levels in Nigeria to improve the take home pay of workers in their employ. Distinguished personalities who pressed for the enhancement of the welfare of workers in Nigeria include the Anambra state Chairman of ANCOPSS, Mr.Jovita Arazu,the Anambra state Chairman of the Post Primary Schools Service Commission Prof. Nkechi Ikediugwu,a community leader from Umunnachi Dr.Oliver Onwughalu, and a university don Very Reverend Monsignor Prof.John Paul Nzomiwu. Others include a community leader from Umuawulu Chief Chike Oranye, and an industrialist from Isi Achina Chief Joseph Nwakpadolu.(MOI) A.Tags:
