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  • Labour leader Aremu tackles OBJ, Obi over comments on democracy

    Labour leader Aremu tackles OBJ, Obi over comments on democracy

    • Insists system alive, not dying in Nigeria

    Foremost Nigerian Labour leader and Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Comrade Issa Aremu, has tackled former President Olusegun Obasanjo and one-time Anambra State governor Peter Obi over their recent comments that democracy was dying in Nigeria and Africa.

    Aremu said despite the challenge of nation-building, Nigeria has been described as a “Democracy Destination, undergoing democratic consolidation,” contrary to some recent high-profile discordant views about the prospects of the democratic process in Africa.

    Recently, former President Obasanjo and erstwhile governor of Anambra State, Mr. Obi, had claimed that democracy was dying in Africa and Nigeria.

    However, Aremu took exception to what he called the “new democracy-pessimism fad” by those he said “without democracy would not have been able to exhibit their limited leadership ability in the past.”

    Aremu, who spoke to journalists at Arewa House, Kaduna, during the secial prayers to mark the 73rd birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, organised by Arewa Think Tank (ATT), opined that it was time for Nigerians to deepen and consolidate the democratic process.

    He added that “democratic optimism must not in any way give way to democratic despair in Africa”.

    He argued that, “With 19 registered political parties, 93,469,008 total voters registered, 176,846 polling units in Nigeria, seven concluded presidential elections since 1999, five elected Presidents, two elected twice; one graciously accepting the loss of election, hundreds of State, National Assembly elections and bye-elections, active media, vibrant organised trade unions and civil society, freedom of assembly and expression, Nigeria is a model of how democracy lives, not dying.”

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    The MINILS DG cautioned the media to “report but also profile the messengers of despair and doom” for discerning citizens for informed judgement about them.

    Aremu said both former President Obasanjo and former governor Obi suffer what he called “bring-down-what I- cannot-control-syndrome,” adding that democracy is alive for only those who necessarily must not have their ways all the time but still keep faith in the ballot.

    “Afro-democracy is another subterfuge for a call to authoritarianism by OBJ, Democracy is not divisible, it is, according to the 1999 constitution, the simple majority that made OBJ President twice, Peter Obi governor and a failed Presidential candidate in 2023. Any resort to red hearing that democracy is dying because the duo are out and dry is unhelpful and self-serving,” Aremu stated.

  • Oyetola, Egbetokun, Obi, Aremu, others celebrate Amitolu at 60

    Oyetola, Egbetokun, Obi, Aremu, others celebrate Amitolu at 60

    Osogbo, the Osun State capital played host to a remarkable celebration recently as Nigerians from all walks of life gathered to honour Comrade Amitolu Shittu, a renowned human rights activist, on his 60th birthday. The event was not only a birthday celebration but also a moment to reflect on Amitolu’s decades-long commitment to justice, equality and the betterment of Nigerian society. Six books authored by the celebrant were launched during the event, providing a fitting tribute to his life’s work and unyielding dedication to activism. Among the dignitaries who attended the event were the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 elections Peter Obi; and prominent human rights advocate, Comrade Isa Aremu. These esteemed individuals hailed Amitolu for his courage, selflessness and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic ideals.

    Held at the Adolak Event Centre in Osogbo, the event saw heartfelt speeches and tributes from leaders across political and civil society sectors, all of whom celebrated Amitolu as a beacon of integrity, activism and advocacy for the oppressed. Representing Oyetola, Bola Oyebamiji, Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), described Amitolu as a man whose life and work embodied the highest ideals of integrity, honesty and dignity. He emphasised that Amitolu’s activism had consistently championed the causes of the downtrodden, making him a towering figure in the fight for human rights.

    “Comrade Amitolu Shittu’s journey as an activist is defined by his unyielding commitment to truth and justice,” Oyebamiji said. “His life and work are a living testament to the impact of integrity in the pursuit of a fairer, more just society.”

    Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was represented by Osun State Commissioner of Police, CP Muhammed Abbah, commended Amitolu for his tireless defence of the people. He highlighted the celebrant’s resilience in fighting against injustice, even when facing personal challenges. “Amitolu’s dedication to the defence of human rights and justice has been unwavering,” said Egbetokun. “He deserves every recognition for his remarkable efforts in safeguarding the rights of Nigerians.”

    Comrade Isa Aremu, former Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), also lauded Amitolu’s relentless work for democracy, good governance and an egalitarian society. He reflected on Amitolu’s profound impact on Nigeria’s socio-political landscape, noting that his commitment to justice had earned him the respect of many across the country. “At 60, Comrade Amitolu has established an indelible legacy, particularly in the fight for democracy and social justice in Nigeria,” Aremu stated. “His unwavering belief in an inclusive, just society remains a guiding light for us all.”

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    Peter Obi, represented by Comrade Yunusa Tanko, Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, spoke of Amitolu’s patriotism and nationalist spirit, emphasising his dedication to the unity and progress of Nigeria. Obi praised Amitolu’s character, humility and selflessness, noting that these qualities had earned him the admiration of people from all walks of life. “Comrade Amitolu is an embodiment of selflessness, courage and integrity,” Obi’s representative said. “His life’s work has been centred on the advancement of Nigeria and the well-being of its people, regardless of their ethnicity or background.”

    Other attendees, including APC chieftain Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun, Executive Director of Marine and Operations at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Lekan Badmus, former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adebayo Adeleke, and Aare Musulumi of Osogbo, Alhaji Gani Adekunle, all shared similar sentiments, highlighting Amitolu’s virtuous character and unwavering dedication to societal progress.

    As part of the celebration, six of Amitolu’s books were launched, each one offering a glimpse into his life’s work, struggles and commitment to human rights and justice. These books stand as a testament to his lifelong dedication to making Nigeria a better place for all its citizens. The event, filled with reflections and acknowledgments of Amitolu’s exceptional contributions, served as a reminder of his continued relevance in the fight for justice and equality in Nigeria. At 60, Comrade Shittu remains a towering figure in the ongoing struggle for a fairer, more just society.

  • Low wages stall economic recovery, says Aremu

    The recovery of the economy is slowed because of low wages, Nigeria Textile Union (NTU) Secretary-General  Issa Aremu has said.

    Aremu urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use his weight to speed up the legislation to back up the proposed N30,000  minimum wage.

    According to him, prompt payment of salaries and urgent wage increase in the private and public sectors were the smartest and quickest ways to stimulate the  economy.

    Aremu said to overcome the current economic crisis in Nigeria, workers whose wages buy basic goods and services must not only be paid on time, but must be increased.

    “Nigeria cannot overcome recession with the existing miserable pay of workers and pensioners. Wage-led economic recovery is smart economics,” he said.

    He said Nigerian workers were poorer than their predecessors some 40 years ago when the minimum wage was N125, which was equivalent to $240 in 1981, noting that $240 of 1981 equalled to N70,000 and that in real and nominal terms, workers in 1981 earned more than the current N18,000 minimum wage.

    Aremu said: “With naira devaluation, it has unacceptably fallen to less than $45 in 2018, a quarter of its nominal value in 2016 and less than one per cent of its value in 1981, about 40 years ago, worsening income poverty.

    “For Nigerian economy to recover there must be massive public spending in reconstruction and significantly mass spending by working people through improved wages.”

    He said Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN’s) communiqué issued after its Momentary Policy Committee, MPC, meeting recently, believed that the proposed increase in the national minimum wage would stimulate output growth due to prolonged weak aggregate demand, arising from salary arrears and contractor debt.

    He hailed the CBN’s reports on the economy, noting that the reports of National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), have shown that weak demand for goods and services is one factor responsible for low capacity utilisation of many private sector firms.

  • Issa Aremu emerges Kwara LP governorship candidate

    Frontline labour leader, Comrade Issa Aremu has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in Kwara state.
    Aremu who was the sole aspirant of the party emerged through affirmation by delegates across the 16 local government areas of the state.
    Representatives of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state as well as factional national chairman of the party, Alhaji Abdulquadir Abdulsalam witnessed the primary.
    Ex-Nigerian soccer star and LP governorship candidate in Ogun state, Segun Odegbami also graced the occasion.
    In his remark, Alhaji Abdulsalam urged Kwarans to vote for the LP candidate to bail the state out infrastructural deficiency.
    He added that Comrade Aremu if elected as governor would place workers welfare at the front burner of governance.
    In his acceptance speech, the former national Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said if elected as governor, he would join forces with the progressives to rescue the state from the hands of the select few that had stolen the commonwealth of the people.
    He promised to eschew hate speeches during campaigns, adding that he would be hard on problems facing the state.
    He listed the problems as proliferation of pot-holes, poor medical facilities and water scarcity etc.
    Said he: “There will not be hate speech against anybody but there will be hard comments. Billions of Naira have been expended on water reticulation and Asa Dam yet there is no water to drink.
    “We will rebuild our great state. We will turn Kwara to a state flowing with milk and honey. We will create employment for our youths, we will revive all our dead industries.
    “We promise to ensure dignity of labour by promptly attending to workers welfare. Workers salaries will not only be paid as at and when due, they will also be paid living wages,”Aremu

  • Aremu unfolds governorship ambition in Kwara

    Former Deputy National President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Issa Aremu has declared intention to contest for the governor of Kwara State under the Labour Party (LP).

    Addressing party supporters, he said Kwara was lacking in development, adding that he would ensure the people enjoy dividends of democracy when voted to office.

    Aremu said that he would address the uncertainly in state, noting that the people were weighed down by poverty and mass hunger.

    He said: “With God guidance and your support, I hereby offer myself to lead the electoral process in liberating our hitherto promising Kwara State from underdevelopment, mass hunger and poverty.

    “I am honoured and humbled with your sacrifices to make today a reality. I am indeed delighted and grateful that we all turn out because of the legitimate concern we have for the development of our dear state and Nigeria

    “Today seems uncertain, God willing, tomorrow can and will indeed be better. Despite lack of money and pervasive income poverty, you have taken various means of transport like Okada, Keke and unworthy taxis through the notorious Ilorin roads to this place.’’

    Aremu said the government seems to legitimize wage theft especially of local government employees, contrary to the stipulation of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) work conditions.

    He maintained that the bail outs offered by President Muhammadu Buhari had not been judiciously reflected in the condition of the people.

    Aremu said: “In spite of the legitimate worries you still have time to come. Many appreciatively turn up at the shortest notice. I salute your patriotism and remarkable commitment towards a better Kwara, better Nigeria and better Africa.

    “All our worries about poor governance in Kwara call for action. Let’s get out of slumber and murmurs. Let’s organise and stop agonising.

    “The state was created on 27 May 1967, we are proud to be part of the first generation of states which include Rivers, Kano and Lagos states. Last year, first generation states celebrated 50th anniversary. Lagos and other states celebrated 50 with upbeat signature projects.

    He added: “But Kwara at 50 was ‘marked’ almost unnoticed by leaders who paradoxically celebrate their personal birthdays and weddings of their children like days and months long.  At 50 Governor Ahmed Fatai led administration listed unity, peace and development as the achievements of Kwara at 50.

    “Other listed achievements include the Federal, State and private universities, industries, an emerging aviation hub, advanced health facilities, modern recreational facilities, and comparatively good infrastructure. Why then the “low-key”  celebration?

    “Our state urgently begs for development and salvation from bad governance. The 2019 governorship election offers a unique historic opportunity to reclaim our dear state. I offer to lead my dear Kwara state through selflessness, statesmanship, entrepreneurship, compassion, managing diversity, equality, inclusiveness, sense of justice and fairness.”

  • Kalu, LP, Aremu hail ex-Edo governor’s victory

    FORMER Abia State Governor Orji Kalu, General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) Comrade Issa Aremu and Labour Party (LP) have described the emergence of former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomole, as All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairman as good for the party and Nigeria’s democracy.

    Kalu, while acknowledging the contributions of the former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to the social and political development of Nigeria, stressed that Oshiomole’s antecedents in labour unionism will continue to speak volumes for him.

    The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) called on the party stakeholders to rally support for the new helmsman in his vision to take the party to greater heights ahead of the 2019 general election.

    In a statement issued by his Special Adviser, Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “The emergence of Oshiomole as consensus candidate and subsequently as National Chairman of the APC is a right step in the right direction.

    “Over the years, Comrade Oshiomole had demonstrated intellectual capacity and political dexterity in different national assignments.

    “The new national chairman, will no doubt, reposition the party for greater success.

    LP’s National Chairman Dr. Mike Omotosho, in a statement yesterday, said he was optimistic that Oshiomhole’s leadership qualities would positively impact on the APC.

    The statement reads: “I wish to congratulate you, my dear friend and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole on your emergence as the new national chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) with familiar recognition and esteemed mutuality.

    “Your legacies while as Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, most of which still endures till today and your willingness to collaborate for the greater good is a testament to your dynamism as a labour leader, a legacy which still inspires the struggles and agenda of our great party till today.

    “I am sure that your tenure as National Chairman of the APC will push the party into a new direction- the people’s direction.”

    Aremu described Oshiohmole as a pride to the textile union and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    Oshiohmole was the General Secretary of NUTGTWN for three decades (1982 to 2008) before he became twice elected NLC President from 1999 to 2007.

    Addressing reporters in Kaduna barely 48 hours after the APC national convention, Aremu said Oshiohmole is the most successful African labour leaders.

    He noted that the former NLC leader has commendably distinguished himself as a private sector unionist in the world of work, where in textile industry and in NLC he selflessly defended workers.

     

     

    He also noted that in larger society where through good governance, as former twice elected Edo State Governor, he had impacted positively on the welfare and security of the people.

    Aremu said: “We bear witness that Comrade Adams Oshiohmole as an organiser, bargainer, negotiator and statesman is an asset not just to the APC but to the entire country.”

     

     

     

     

  • Self-defence call: Labour leader Aremu tackles General

    A labour leader, Comrade Issa Aremu, has tackled Gen. TY Danjuma (rtd) for his recent comments, describing his call to some Nigerians to take up arms as unstatesmanlike, uncalled for and unconstitutional.

    Aremu, who is the General Secretary of the National Union of Textile Garments and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to show statesmanship and be involved in bipartisan engagement of Nigerian stakeholders in all sectors irrespective of political, religious or ethnic affiliations on corruption, security and economy to carry everybody along and enable all be on the same page on the direction of the country.

    Speaking in Kaduna at the 8th day Fidau prayer of the late Division 4 Chairman of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Kaduna State branch, Alhaji Isiaq Funsho Babatunde, Comrade Aremu, who is also the Vice President of Industrial Global, said such statement credited to Gen. Danjuma is hate speech, dangerous and could cause chaos in the country.

    Aremu said people like the late Babatunde who lived on the dignity of his labour and used his wealth to unify the people should be emulated, noting that during his life he was concerned about the unity of the country and always worked towards peaceful coexistence among its people.

    “I was shocked to read T Y Danjuma, former Chief of Army Staff and Defence Minister in a university convocation calling on what he called some Nigerians to defend themselves. Indeed he reportedly said Somalia would be a child play. Of course, we all know that Somalia is not a child play, but a forgotten killing field of suicide bombers. If Alhaji Babatunde were to be alive today, he would have differed with TY Danjuma and prayed for Nigeria that may Allah save us from another Somalia in Africa.

    “Gen. TY Danjuma’s statement should be condemned, he should not have breached the oath of office irrespective of the provocation. Hate words like that can lead Nigeria to a Somalia. Instead of wishing for a Somalia, we should rather help Somalia, South Sudan and DR Congo out of their situation, and emulate President Paul Kagame who took Rwanda away from genocide to economic boom.”

    Speaking on the late former GMD of Armeco, Aremu said: “The death of Alhaji for me is a total loss. After Allah, he was my comforter following serial deaths of my mother and wife. We are certainly sad with the death of Alhaji Babatunde. May Allah grant him Aljanat Firdausi! Ansar-Ud-Deen fully appreciated Alhaji while alive with several awards and recognitions for his service to Allah. However, that even after death Alhaji Babatunde induced so much affection is a lesson for us in being good. The beauty of today is that even his death makes all of us to come together in love to grief.

    “I have always known Alhaji with impeccable white dress. He truly represented virtue, goodness, brotherhood and complete cleanness of the heart. He was  truly pride of Islam, pride of Ansar-Ud-Deen, a silent and effective servant of Allah. Some of his virtues are his modesty and humility. In life and death, Alhaji was modest. I’m yet to come to terms with his death, just as the death of my wife. Without fanfare, as usual, he smiled off what later turned to be a terminal illness.

    “For some of us psychologically it is as if Alhaji is still around the corner. By Nigerian standard, Alhaji was truly a big man, but in his lifestyle, he acted simple and ordinary. He leads (and even prays Jummat service!) from behind. Alhaji’s idea of being big is not to rough ride others to be on the high table rather to act unrecognizable but doing big things.  Most Nigerian leaders are big in relations to the size of their big bank accounts, big acts of corruption and looting of public purse while Nigeria suffers basic things like water, light, road and  immunization.”

    “I call on President Buhari to call for non-partisan pan-Nigerian summit on the critical issues of security and corruption. The recent politicization of the kidnapping of poor school girls shows that we need to remind ourselves that if we work separately we will be defeated by terror gangs.

    May Allah return Somalia and South Sudan and other war torn zones such as Syria, Iraq, DRC and Afghanistan to peace and love,” Aremu added.

  • Aremu advises African govts on workers’ rights, development

    Aremu advises African govts on workers’ rights, development

    Vice  President,  IndustriAll Global Union (Africa), Comrade Issa Aremu, has urged African governments to insist on fair international trade and ensure that they do not undermine the rights of workers.

    He also advised that their quest for national development and foreign direct investments (FDIs) should not be at the expense of workers.

    He made the assertion while addressing a meeting on Trade and Industrial Policy of industrial global union in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    Aremu observed that the decisions of multinationals to invest in Africa were often inspired by access to markets, tax holidays, cheap raw materials and supply chains, subsidies and low wages rather than decent sustainable jobs, technology transfers and national development.

    “Miserable low wages, long work hours, child labour and labour dumping, as well as direct importation of cheap prisoner-workers to Africa make up the new motivations for some Chinese investment in Africa,” he said.

    Aremu, who is also the secretary- general of Textiles Workers Union and member, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) National Executive Council (NEC), therefore, cautioned African governments to be cautious of trade and investment deals

    These, he alleged, would consign them perpetually to producers of raw materials, export base for foreign multinationals’ products as distinct from developing producer economies.

    He stressed that international trade issues were too important and weighty to be left with governments alone, and expressed labour support for the recent proposals by 90 developing countries including Nigeria demanding for changes in World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules that restrain national development priorities.

    He said the demand for fair international trade must be linked with development of African economies, pointing out that “Africa should copy China by also adding value to its abundant natural raw materials, create jobs for its youthful population, and stop uncritically clapping for China which takes the Continent’s raw materials, dumps finished goods and even imports prisoners/workers to Africa” he said.

  • Aremu opposes proposed Pension Reform Act amendment

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) chieftain Issa Aremu  has advised stakeholders to reject the proposed controversial bill seeking to exclude the Police, Customs, Civil Defenders, Immigration and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Contributory Pension Scheme.

    The bill, being sponsored by a House of Represtatives member,  Oluwole Oke, has passed second reading.

    In a statement in Kaduna, Aremu, also the chairman of the Interim Management Committee of First Guarantee Pension Fund Administrator, said Pension Reform Acts of 2004 and 2014, were outcomes of executive bills, which addressed the delicate interests of pensioners, government and the economy.

    He added that a private-member bill informed by “narrow and vested interest consideration” could not do justice to all.

    The labour leader also said any private-member bill, which seeks to erode the gains of the 13-year-old N7 trillion contributory pension scheme, in terms of coverage and resource pools, is “counterproductive” and should not be encouraged.

    He said pensions of the workers in security services were better secured in a national contributory scheme than the old “unfunded and unsustainable, discredited  Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS).”

    According to Aremu, until the recent contributory pension reform, all stakeholders bore witness to ugly features of corruption, inefficiency and share looting, which he claimed characterised  the old DBS.

    He added that to return to the old era means “bringing back corruption to pension administration through the National Assembly”.

    He advised the National Assembly  against what he called  ”the pitfalls  of frequent  self-serving out sourced amendments” of the Pension Act.

    He observed that the pension Act has just been amended through executive/all inclusive review two years ago, adding that with all it’s globally acknowledged successes the contributory pension covers only seven million workers. He added that to  further ask for exclusion of the security agencies only undermines the scheme with all the attendant negative implications for Nigerian economy just coming out of recession.

    Aremu, therefore, called all National Assembly members to reject the bill, saying it would not do any one any good.

  • No wage increase, no recovery, says Aremu 

    No wage increase, no recovery, says Aremu 

    There can be no meaningful economic recovery until the Federal Government addresses productivity and wages matters, the General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers (NUTGTW), Comrade Issa Aremu, has said.

    In a reaction to a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) that Nigeria, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 0.55 per cent, is out of recession, he noted that the economy has the potential for faster recovery and not just exiting recession.

    According to Aremu, this could have been possible if the government had put an end to the persistent crisis of compensation of the working class, manifesting in what he termed as “criminal” non-payment and delayed payments of salary by many states, despite several Federal Government bailouts of trillions of naira.

    On the  the NBS positive growth numbers of 0.55 per cent, compared to the negative contraction of  1.6 per cent in 2016, Aremu said Nigeria could only recover from economic recession with enhanced purchasing power, which is only possible through prompt and adequate payment of over 10 million employed workforce.

    The labour leader, who likened Nigeria’s economy to a big, blind economy, which gets excited with a dimmed ray of eye sight, said it was time Nigeria got right its growth and development numbers.

    He noted that the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) (2016-2020), launched last year, envisaged 4.6 per cent real GDP growth in the year, adding that this makes the recent token positive growth of 0.55 per cent a far cry from the planned target.

    Aremu, a labour representative on the National Wages and Salaries Commission, said the key to sustainable development has improved labour productivity in both public and private sectors, which could only happen with motivated pay and quality pensions.

    He advised the Federal Government to address the crises of compensation in all sectors, notably education, and setlle with unions, such as the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which is on strike, by paying all outstanding allowances and ensure service delivery on the part of the workforce.

    “Nigeria’s economic recovery is elusive, with constant avoidable work stoppages and loss of man hours in an economy trying to exit recession,” Aremu added.