- The Populace Might Rebel Soon..,
By Tolúlopé Olátúnjí
As the deadlock in the minimum wage negotiations lingers, Catholic priest Ejike Mbaka has suggested that state governors and members of the National Assembly should equally be made to earn the proposed N62,000 minimum wage with the citizens. According to the Priest, this reflects the ongoing debate on fair compensation across all working class people, be they politicians or civil servants in the country.
Mbaka made this statement in the context of Organized Labour’s decision-comprising Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)- to embark on an indefinite strike recently. This industrial action, triggered by the federal government’s failure to meet demands for a new minimum wage, led to significant disruptions in essential services.
It would be recalled that labour unions decided to “relax” the strike for one week to allow for further negotiations with the federal government. These talks resumed on June 6, where the new minimum wage was proposed.
Mbaka argued that the allowances currently being enjoyed by Nigeria’s political elite should be extended to all citizens, particularly the impoverished masses in rural areas. He pointed out that the disparity in salaries, coupled with the secrecy and speculations surrounding the earnings of National Assembly members is most embarrassing.
Mbaka said:”We can push these poor Nigerians to the point of rebellion. That is my fear. All of us were in Lagos that day, we couldn’t come back. Just like a joke, the labor people entered the airport and stopped every operation. If this happens again, it might lead to unforeseen consequences,”
“If we decide to give labour N60,000 or N62,000, why not generalize it to the House of Assembly members, senatorial members, House of Representatives members, and governors? All of them are civil servants. So, are the others slaves? I cannot imagine why somebody can be amassing billions in allowances,” the priest added.
Mbaka emphasized the disparity between the earnings of politicians and essential workers like teachers, nurses, and doctors, and urged the Federal government to address the minimum wage issues promptly to avoid further strikes.
“The cleric said it is a matter of handling the bull by the horn tactfully but very speedily because if they are not careful, this crisis of a thing can be hijacked and nobody knows the ripple effects,” Mbaka concluded.
