The 2023 Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, has decried the economic situation of the Nigerian workers.
Atiku alleged that “No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one.” He stated that, “Daily, workers face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.”
Atiku made this assertion in a statement released on Tuesday to commemorate this year’s International Workers Day.
Recall that workers all over the world celebrate May 1, as International Workers’ Day. It is a day set aside for recognition of workers’ achievements. Workers use the day to advocate for fair compensation and better working conditions through demonstrations and marches.
The theme for this year’s Workers’ Day is “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate.”
Speaking on this year’s Workers Day, former Vice President Atiku bemoaned the dire situations that have befallen the Nigerian worker.
Atiku stated that no administration has disregarded workers’ rights to the extent of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He stated “Despite prolonged pledges and flowery words by the government, the much talked-about prospects of wage increment for the Nigerian worker remains a mirage. Every dawn unveils renewed hardships and harsh living conditions.
“After the contraction and contradictions by the government about whether the subsidy regime has gone or it is still being implemented, the country is today facing the angst of frustration by Nigerians. Who waste precious man-hours in queues at petrol stations across the country.”
Atiku added that although the petrol subsidy has supposedly been removed, its effects persist. Thereby, exposing the incompetence of the present Federal Government.
He said “In an unprecedented manner and condescending of both the Nigerian worker and the general public, this current Federal Government announced a unilateral removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, without consultations with representatives of the Nigerian worker.
“The continued increase in tariffs in different service offerings without addressing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system only amounts to long-suffering Nigerians subsidizing the corruption and inefficiencies in the system.
“Since the days of legendary, Pa. Michael Imoudu, to later day firebrands such as Pascal Bafyau and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, the Nigerian worker has been at the forefront of the fight against tyranny and bad governance.
“No administration in our history has trampled workers’ rights like this one. Daily, workers face uncertainty over skyrocketing prices of essential goods.”
The former Vice President stated that the handling of the nation’s microeconomic situation resembles a cumbersome laboratory experiment. Which has left the Nigerian worker in a vulnerable position.
“The Nigerian worker has had it so rough under this current administration. And it is unfortunate that while the living conditions of the Nigerian worker remain at a miserably low ebb, the Nigerian Government continues to regale its international audiences. With tales of how the masses are being weaned of their wasteful dependence on government.
source: PUNCH
