As Nigerian workers under the aegis of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) intensities pressure on the Federal Government for the implementation of a new minimum wage of N56,000, an All Progressives Congress APC Chieftain in the country, Chief Nyerere Chinenye Anyim has advised the unions to soft-pedal on the demand. Chief Anyim who was the APC guber national candidate in Abia State in the 2015 governorship election said that, instead of clamouring for such high minimum wage from the current N18,000, the, Labour unions should campaign for an increase in the minimum wage to an appreciative and more ‘realistic’ level.
The APC former guber candidate in Abia who bared his mind while chating with newsmen in Owerri on the various developments in the country, argued that the N56,000 minimum wage demanded by workers if implemented, will result to hyperinflation in the country and lead to a further fall in the value of the naira. Chief Anyim queried, “what is the need of receiving a bumper salary which does not have any purchasing power?”
He opined that a better alternative should be for the NLC and TUC to intensify pressure on the Federal Government for a realistic and enhanced minimum wage that would enhance the standard of living of the worker and keep inflation at bay. Chief Anyim also advised workers to be patient with the Federal government in its effort to improve the economy and reduce corruption in the country pointing out that “there is green light at the end of the tunnel”.
On the recent killing of some indigenes of Nimbo Community in Enugu State, Chief Anyim, warned that the act was capable of throwing the country into turmoil adding that “this was the war Boko Haram started” The APC Chieftain stated that, “..nothing justifies an act that will take human lives. Our leaders should be pro-active” and stressed that, “those who were responsible for the dastardly act should be brought to book.”
