Minimum Wage : Northern Group Slams NLC over Attack on Akume

Minimum Wage : Northern Group Replies NLC over Attack on Akume 

Northern Coalition for Democracy and Good Governance (NOCODGOG )has replied the Nigerian Labour Congress over recent attack on the personality of  the Secretary of Federal Government, Mr George Akume . 

Mr. Akume had declared that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100, 000 as salary in a month.

But in reaction,the Nigerian Labour Congress via press statement issued on Friday said, it was “disheartening” that the SGF, a high ranking government official would make statement to trivialise the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, when he said, he can't  afford to pay his four drivers N100,000 each as salary. 

According to the group in the statement signed by Comrade Abdullahi Baffa Ringim and Comrade Andrew Bartholomew Rufus , the NLC's reaction was undoubtedly grossly insensitive and inconsiderate to the personality someone,who was a former Governor; former Senator and the current SGF.  

The further reads:"We know Akume as a patriot and a sensitive Nigerian,who considers the reality on ground rather than playing to the gallery.He was just being honest by making such statement over lingering matter of minimum wage  for workers .

"The statement Akume made was because he didn't steal public funds while in positions of authority held over the years. It is only corrupt leaders and thieves that afford to pay such unrealistic demands by Labour unions. 

"We also deemed unacceptable for   NLC to express disappointment over Akume’s comments, where the SGF described the “legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action” as a “treasonable felony” and “economic sabotage” .

It asked, "what is “deeply troubling” that has  undermined the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues with the realistic statement made by the SGF"

"We make bold to say , Akume  not among those who loot our treasury around the country, those who diverted  public resources meant for hospitals and schools,  padded budgets and inflated  contracts including those who steal trillions of naira in the name of subsidy are the real economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.

While stating that the SGF is not one those NLC  described  people paying  personal staff “starvation wages”,the group said considerations must be given to background of leaders to reach conclusion. 

"The SGF during his as Governor of Benue State was not  committed to regular payments workers,but also an advocate their  rights and welfare."it added .