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Why we accepted N70,000 as minimum wage – Organised Labour
Minimum Wage: No strike tomorrow, says Labour
Joe Ajaero, NLC President
IduwiniVoice
Why we accepted N70,000 as minimum wage – Organised Labour
Minimum Wage: No strike tomorrow, says Labour
Joe Ajaero, NLC President
Organised Labour, led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and Comrade Festus Osifo, have given reasons NLC accepted N70,000 as new minimum wage.
Speaking moments after President Bola Tinubu agreed to pay N70000 as new minimum wage, Joe Ajaero said the organized labour accepted the offer with mixed feelings as a result of the prevailing economic circumstances.
Ajaero said: “Well, we’re here last week and we’re here now. What have been announced in terms of the amount of N70,000 happened to be where we are now. But the good thing about it is that we will not wait for another five years to come on review.
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“Rather, than settling on a figure that we wait for five years, is like we’ll have to now negotiate even two times within five years, with a view to going up. That is one of the reasons you know why we decided to reach where we are today because of the proviso that ‘you can review in the next three years.
“The other one, we came with other issues in the basket, like the issue of SSANU, NASU and others, especially with the affront by the Commissioner of Police FCT, we brought it to Mr. President and talked on the need for that matter to be addressed.
“And magnanimously he asked the agencies concerned to work out the modalities for the payment of those workers in the universities.”
The NLC President said that the President promise some incentives like the CNG which will lessen the burden that the Nigerian workers are passing through, but you can see that we are taking this with mix filling because of the situation of the of the economy.
“But we have to move ahead despite the situation, and the negotiation can’t linger coming from N62,000 to N70,000 and then with the proviso that we are coming back soon to negotiate it.
“We’re taking it back to our constituency to see how they can get a buy in. So that’s what has transpired this afternoon except there’s another question.”
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo Speaks
Also speaking, the TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo said, ” So yes, just as been said by the three previous speakers, the Minister of Information Minister of state labour as well as the NLC President, they’ve laid the accounts of what transpired in today’s meeting.
“The President made a pronouncement or announcement of N70,000. That by next week, they should put finishing touches to the bill and do the transmission to the National Assembly
“But why this became a catch is actually because we from the organized labour, we have been pushing that the issue of five years review is to me so much, that a lot a lot of economic indices may have changed, because we are in an era where things are moving very fast in terms of both macro, and micro economic policies.
“But with also the caveat that this is going to be done every three years. The next review will be in three years. And after that, pronouncement, we from labour just as has been said, we have received what the President has promised from both ends.
“And as he said, said, we made a case for both the SSANU and NASU, that the President should, as a father of the nation, look at it compassionately, and do the needful, so that we will not have a case where the universities would be closed again.
“That is actually a problem because it is your children, my brothers that attend these universities. I’m not sure that the kids of the bourgeoisie like those standing behind us, whether they attend these universities, we don’t know.
“So, at the end, he said he was going to look at it and that they should report back to him as has been reported. So we are quite excited with that because for us, anything that will keep the university shutdown, we will not allow it to happen. we will do everything possible to ensure that the issues are resolved amicably. So, we are waiting for the final outcome of that.
“Then also the issue of student loan as well, we commended the president for that. but we said that the money should get to the people that are targeted. that the student loan should get to the people that are targeted, not a situation where the children of the rich are also able to access the student loan.
“That the parameter be put in place so that the children of the poor, those that cannot actually afford school fees should be the target and they also said they will look at it as well.”
It will be recalled that when the Tripartite Committee met, the government team and the private sector started with the offer of N48, 000 then to N54, 000, N57, 000, N60, 000 and finally N62, 000.
On the other side, the Organized Labour started with N615,000 demand, then N500,000, to N497,000 and finally N250,000.
© Culled from Vanguard News 2024
By Divine Perezide
Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2025
A major political realignment is underway in Nigeria as leading opposition figures have formally adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew a crowd of influential politicians and political observers. Amongst those in attendance were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Rivers State Governor and Minister for Transport, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.
Also present was the former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, along with other notable figures from across Nigeria’s political spectrum.
The event marked the formal endorsement of the ADC by a coalition of opposition leaders who are seeking to consolidate forces in a bid to mount serious challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 polls.
Sources close to the coalition disclosed that discussions are already underway to restructure the leadership of the ADC to reflect the interests and participation of the newly joined political heavyweights. The move is aimed creating a united front capable of galvanising nationwide support and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
Speaking at the gathering, coalition members emphasized the urgent need to rescue Nigeria from what they describe as deepening economic hardship, rising insecurity, and declining public trust in governance.
“The time has come for patriotic Nigerians to rise above party lines and work together to restore hope and accountability in our nation,” one of the leaders said.
The formation of this alliance signals the beginning of what could be a heated political season, with the opposition setting the tone early for what promises to be a fiercely contested Presidential race in 2027.
Moredetails regarding the coalition’s leadership structure, policy agenda, and campaign roadmap are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
News
HON. NEGERESE, OTHER POLITICAL LEADERS PAY CONDOLENCES TO LATE PA. MITIN, REGENT OF OPOROMOR KINGDOM
By Divine Perezide
Yenagoa, Bayelsa State – July 2, 2025
Prominent political leaders of Ekeremor extraction and beyond paid a Condolence Visit to the family of Late Chief Mitin Tamaraumienye, the revered Regent of Oporomor Kingdom, who passed away recently.
Leading the delegation was Hon. Berry Negerese, the leader of the ‘Wind of Progress’ political movement, who described the late regent as a custodian of history, peace, tradition, unity, and a political pillar in Ekeremor and Ijaw nation at large. The visit took place in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, where family members and sympathisers gathered to honour the life and legacy of the departed patriarc.
Among others was Hon. John Alla, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Tourism Development, Barr. Japan Udoji, State Coordinator of the Wind of Progress Movement; Hon. Victor K. Ebiyekon, Secretary of the forum; and Capt. Joshua J. Oropere, Chairman of the EA Host Communities Development Trust, Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) board.
The delegation offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, acknowledging Chief Tamaraumienye’s role as a father and in preserving the cultural heritage of and traditional authority of Oporomor kingdom. They also commended his contributions to the peace and development of Ndoro community and beyond.
Ina brief remark during the visit, Barr. Udoji expressed, “The passing of Chief Tamaraumienye is not only a loss to his immediate family but also to the entire Ekeremor Local Government Area, and Ijaw Nation. He was a symbol of truth, courage, and wisdom.”
The condolence visit ended with prayers for strength and comfort for the family, and tributes echoing the profound impact the late regent had on the socio-cultural and socio-political landscape of not just Ekeremor Local Government Area but Bayelsa State and Ijaw Nation at large.
Meanwhile, burial arrangements are yet to be announced by the family as of press time.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By DivinePerezide, June 30, 2025
Tuomo, Burutu _ Peace has been fully restored to Tuomo community following recent tensions surrounding the Amananawei election, as residents warmly welcomed the Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, during a visit to the community on Monday.
Dr. Takeme’s visit was characterized with widespread jubilation, as community members, particularly women carrying placards with various inscriptions: “Tuomo People Thank Burutu LGA Chairman” , “Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, We Thank You” and others in appreciation of the swift intervention by the two authorities.
Addressing the residents, Dr. Takeme reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining law and order, emphasizing that, as the Chief Security Officer of the LGA, he would not allow any individual or group to undermine peace and security. He condemned the actions of those who took the law into their hands by intimidating, assaulting and detaining innocent persons in their local cells.
“The era of using power to intimidate or oppress people is over. The law is supreme and binding on all,” Dr. Takeme stated, urging residents to remain calm and go about their normal activities without fear.
The Council Chairman also called on the Tuomo Community Chairman, Mr. Edonyaibo Morentei Warebi, to ensure inclusive leadership and uphold the constitution guiding the community’s affairs. Similarly, he advised the newly elected Amananawei, Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi, whose election was held on June 11, 2025 to foster peace and unity in his leadership.
Dr. Takeme commended the Nigerian Police Force for her professionalism in restoring peace to the area, particularly the Burutu Area Commander, ACP Redengha Timpa, who was always on ground personally during the intervention.
In appreciation, the community leaders and residents praised Dr. Takeme for his dedication through the exhaustive expending of time, energy, finances by paying countless visits to Tuomo, ensuring the prevalence of peace and justice. The Community Chairman, Mr. Warebi, assured the Council Boss that every member of the community would be carried along and vehemently stressed that this would be a time for reconciliation, not division.
Chief Arebebe Ebiyemi also expressed gratitude for the Chairman’s leadership and support for the people of Tuomo.
As part of his visit, Dr. Takeme announced the approval of the reconstruction of the Tuomo link road, a news that sparked off spontaneous celebration, singing, and dancing among the residents.
With calm fully restored and development projects on the horizon, the people had had a renewed hope for a peaceful and united future where justice would continue to prevail and be sustained.