From Romanus Ugwu, Abuja

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun has said workers demand for new minimum wage would be determined by preventing economic realities.

He also said the issue was not a federal matter, as each state would be allowed to determine what it could afford.

During the commemoration of the workers’ day on May 1, a faction of the labour union had asked for a minimum wage of N56, 000 while the other demanded N100, 000.

But speaking to journalists in Abuja yesterday, the former governor of Edo State and leader of the governing APC said “the executive at both federal and state level would consider the demand in line with the ability to pay, and of course, how reasonable the demand of the workers for improved condition must be based on the economic realities on ground.”

According to him, “the executive must demonstrate that the issue is not a federal matter alone. States must be allowed to make their decisions based on the ability to pay because the economic situation in the states is not the same. One state has proven that by the decision it made recently. It tells every state indirectly to talk to its workers to see and appreciate the ability to pay, decide accordingly while the federal government will consider the reality also and take its decision.”

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Chief Odigie-Oyegun also reacted to the uneasy calm in the Edo State chapter of the APC, which peaked with the alleged attack on Pius Odubu, deputy governor and aspirants, in the September 10 governorship poll, in Auchi last week.

Although the state governor described the assassination claim as false, Oyegun warned that the party would not tolerate any form of impunity and brigandage, even as he called on the state police command to urgently fish out the culprits behind the alleged assassination attempts.

He assured that irrespective of how ugly the situation might be in the state, the national headquarters would ensure a free, fair and transparent governorship primary.

The ruling party boss equally spoke on the delay on the appointment of federal boards, assuring that the issue will soon be resolved.

“Let me say that the delay was because of the merger of the ministries which brought a lot of questions as to whether the agencies will be merged as well. The Federal Government is going through these processes and I can assure you that sooner than later the announcement will be made,” he promised.