On the occasion of Workers’ Day, Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman, a former Kwara State House of Assembly contestant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a passionate plea to the Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq-led Kwara State Government to address the pressing issues affecting workers in the state.
Lukman highlighted the challenges faced by salary earners and emphasized the critical need for support for workers, particularly in the post-subsidy removal era.
In his statement, Lukman stressed the importance of timely payment of salaries, arrears, promotions, and other bonuses, labeling these as legitimate rights that governments must not overlook.
He thereafter urged the Kwara State Government to emulate the proactive approach of counterparts in Edo and Lagos by ensuring the effective payment of wage rewards and the immediate implementation of the new minimum wage, as declared by the Federal Government effective May 1st.
Lukman emphasized that Kwara workers, known for their perseverance and consistency, deserve better treatment from the state government. He emphasized that promises of action in the vague future, characterized by words like “soon,” are not acceptable, and immediate implementation of the new minimum wage is imperative.
In conclusion, Lukman extended his best wishes to Kwarans and Nigerian workers on Workers’ Day, while reiterating the pressing need for the Kwara State Government to prioritize the rights and welfare of its workforce.
HIS FULL STATEMENT IS REPRODUCED BELOW
“SOON IS NOT A DATE; KWARA WORKERS DESERVE BETTER.
Today, I join the Nigerian workforce to celebrate Workers’ Day, a day specially dedicated to celebrating the significant contribution and importance of workers in nation-building.
As a former civil servant in the education sector, I quite understand the challenges faced by salary earners, as well as the need for support for workers at this critical time in our nation, especially in the post-subsidy removal era.
Salary, arrears, promotion, and other bonuses, including timely review, implementation, and prompt payment of the new minimum wage for workers, should be considered as a favor by any government. It’s the legitimate right of workers that governors must not toy with.
It’s on this premise that I urge the Kwara State Government under Mallam Abdulrazaq Abdulrahman to borrow a leaf from his counterparts in Edo and Lagos, ensuring effective payment of wage rewards, consistent stagnated working days, and immediate implementation of the new minimum wage upon final conclusion by the federal government, effective from May 1st, as declared by the Federal Government.
Kwara workers have been the most understanding workforce; they demonstrate perseverance and consistency, hence they deserve better from the government of the day in the state.
Soon, sooner, or soonest is never a date; Kwara workers deserve better. Immediate implementation of the new minimum wage is sacrosanct.
Once again, happy Workers’ Day to Kwarans and Nigerian workers.
Signed
Comr. Salahudeen A. Lukman
Eluku Omo Adugbo
May 1st, 2024”
