Femi Adesina has issued a statement saying the Presidency is
concerned over recurring reports alleging that President Buhari has reneged on
earlier acceptance of the N30,000 recommended as the new National Minimum Wage
by the National Minimum Wage Tripartite Committee.
According to him, 'these reports are contrary to what
transpired on Tuesday when the committee presented its Report to the President.
Responding, President Buhari, while acknowledging the concerns raised by
government on affordability and labour’s focus on meaningful increase, stated
clearly in a speech, which was made available to the media:
“In a way, both arguments are valid. I want to assure you
all that we will immediately put in place the necessary machinery that will
close out these open areas.
“Our plan is to transmit an Executive Bill to the National
Assembly for passage within the shortest possible time. I am fully committed to
having a new National Minimum Wage Act in the very near future.
“As the Executive Arm commences its review of your
submission, we will continue to engage you all in closing any open areas
presented in this report. I, therefore, would like to ask for your patience and
understanding in the coming weeks.”
Adesina went on to say, 'from the above, and throughout the
report-submission ceremony, the President never mentioned any figure. What he
committed himself to was a new minimum wage, and only after the Report of the
committee has been reviewed by the executive and legislative processes of
government and an appropriate bill presented to him for assent.
Until the proposed minimum wage has gone through the whole
gamut of law-making, President Buhari, who is a stickler for due process, will
not be caught in this unnecessary web of controversy, which amounts to putting
the cart before the horse and hair-splitting.
As for those who have latched onto the concocted controversy
to play cheap politics, we appeal to them to remember that elections are not
won through loquaciousness, and trying to demean the President at every drop of
a hat. But then, it is not surprising, as they have nothing else to sell to
Nigerians, if they don’t ride on the name of the President. Stiff judgment
awaits them at the polls'.
