Bimbola Oyesola, 08033246177
The organised labour movement has tasked Nigerians to use the period of the Eid-el-fitr celebration to reflect on how the forthcoming general election can be conducted devoid of violence.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said Eid-el-fitr teaches denial, dedication, discipline and diligence, as well as love and ability to share.
The NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, in his message to Muslims, noted that in view of the divisive political currents flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that Nigerians learn that united in love and sharing, we stand; divided in prejudice and hate, we fall.
He said organised labour appreciates all Muslims for praying for Nigeria during this year’s Ramadan, adding, “As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards a violence free and credible elections. It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorate will prevail, be respected and the blessings of Eid-el-fitri will abide with us.”
The NLC President urged every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-fitr.
“Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building. The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organized labour for a New National Minimum Wage”, he said.
In the same vein, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama said Nigerians must embrace the lessons of Ramadan which include personal sacrifices, piety and self denial. According to him, “the deficiency of these virtues are the fundamental reasons why countries we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind. The time to look beyond all artificial social, political and economic divisions including minor ethnic and religious differences in society is now.”
He implored all Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of their respective religions to reflect in all their dealings, as it remains the way they can ensure peace and unity of the nation.
“We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together. That is the new Nigeria we want”, he stated.
The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Olabode Johnson called on Nigerians to spare a word of prayers for the country, Nigeria, in the face of various economic challenges and as the campaign towards the 2019 national elections is gathering momentum.
“On our part, we will strive to do everything within our powers to maintain industrial peace in the Country while we urge Government and relevant Agencies to guarantee fairness, justice and equity on issues that have to do with workers welfare in Our Branches for the Maximum advantage of our Economy”, he said.
He, however, called on the federal government to take steps to ensure other parts of the harmonised version of the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB), which has just been passed by the National Assembly, are speedily passed to help recover abd maximise the industry’s operational capacity.