Sola Charles, Asaba
Protesting workers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), have hinged the re-election of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on his implementation of the N30,000 new minimum wage.
The protesters carried placards with various inscriptions, including ‘Negotiation is over, implement the new minimum wage’, ‘New minimum is a condition for vote’, ‘New minimum wage is equal to PVCs’, ‘Enough of this Slavery’, ‘Pay N30,000 or loss reelection’, among others, said they had resolved to take their destiny in their hands.
Chairman of NLC in the state, Comrade Jonathan Jemiriyigbe, supported by the Vice President of ULC, Comrade Ogbaloi Kelly, in Asaba, urged the governor not to renege on his promise to pay the N30,000 as soon as it is implemented by the Federal Government.
Said he, “Any Governor that vote for N30,000 minimum wage will be voted for during the general elections.
“Labour will only canvass and mull support for a workers’ friendly candidate. Workers will not vote for any presidential or governorship candidate that fails to implement the new minimum wage.”
During their protest to press home their demand, in Asaba, the protesting workers warned the Federal Government and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, to stop playing pranks with the welfare of workers in the country.
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Addressing the workers at the Government House’s gate in Asaba, Governor Okowa, represented by his Chief of Staff, Chief Tam Brisibe, flanked by the Special Adviser on Labour and Servicom, Comrade Mike Okeme, said the new minimum wage would be implemented in the state immediately the Federal Government agrees to pay.
According to the governor, “Governor is workers’ friendly. He keeps to his promise. This protest is not against us, it is for us to share in your pains for better welfare package.
“As soon as the Federal Government agrees and signs it into law, Delta state will implement it,” Brisibe said.
However, there was a mild drama during the protest as Armoured-Personnel-Carrier (APC) failed break and attempted to crush the protesting members, comprising members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the United Labour Congress (ULC), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and PSJNC.
It took the intervention of the Police Provost in the beat who blamed the driver for tactical-error before normalcy was restored.
