The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bobboi Bala Kaigama

  • FG, politicians playing politics with minimum wage, says TUC

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has said that it was unfortunate that the government and members of the political class was playing politics with the issue of minimum wage for Nigerian workers, saying Nigerian workers will never sleep on their right.

    In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and General Secretary, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi also asked those seeking elective offices ahead of the 2019 general election to play by the rules and not plunge the country into crisis as they will have no other country to call their own when they finish destroying the country.

    While wishing Nigerians a happy Christmas celebration, the union said it is quite unfortunate that instead of the problems facing the country, Nigerian leaders seem to be playing politics at the expense of the lives of the Nigerian people.

    According to the union, the internal wrangling within the political parties and insincerities are further tearing the country apart leading the lost the usual national cohesion and progress we so much desire.

    The statement reads: “In a time such as this, it is only very appropriate that we appreciate God for life and provisions. More deeply, it is indeed a wonderful time to celebrate our faith, family, togetherness as a country and the long-standing tradition of giving and receiving gifts from friends, families, organizations, etc.

    “While we appreciate government at their respective levels for their efforts at ensuring safety of lives and properties, payment of salaries and provision of infrastructure, it is imperative that they do not become numb to our myriads of challenges if they truly are appreciative of the virtues and principles Jesus Christ stood for.

    “The yuletide is a period people like traveling to visit their loved ones. Ironically in or clime it is also synonymous with yearly hikes and vices. The anniversary of the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ should exude peace, joy, happiness, and not the pains and agonies we are made to go through.

    Read Also: TUC urges INEC, security agencies on credible election

    “It is quite unfortunate that instead of addressing these issues our leaders seem to be playing politics at the expense of our lives. The internal wrangling within the political parties and insincerities are further tearing the country apart. We have lost the usual national cohesion and progress we so much desire.

    “It is our prayer that such disagreements would soon be settled so that as the electioneering campaigns gather momentum, each party would educate its members to ensure the next year’s elections is held under the atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

    “We want to assume that all the Presidential aspirants may have good intentions for the country; however, Congress will like to remind them that in every national election, it is only one candidate who will emerge.

    “Finally, if you tear the country apart because of politics, it then means that you never meant well for the country in the first place. The Congress wishes Nigerians well and warns against indulgences that could lead to any form of violence. We enjoin all Nigerians to however be vigilant even as we celebrate Christmas and New Year because the times ahead are perilous.

    “The minimum wage to workers is being politicized by government and workers will not sleep on their rights. “

  • TUC urges workers to participate in politics

    The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Bobboi Bala Kaigama, has urged workers to participate actively in politics to be able to influence policies that directly affect them and their welfare.

    Kaigama, who spoke at the fourth triennial delegates’ conference of the Ogun State Council of the congress in Abeokuta, also urged workers on the need to come out to seek elective positions, as they have great roles to play in the nation’s democracy.

    Represented by the National Secretary of the union, Comrade Lawal Musa, Kaigama said while the union would play its own part by mobilising workers to vote, Nigerian workers need not shy away from participating actively in politics, as it is their right.

    “This is a political era, workers must play a role in the nation’s democracy.

    “As a union, we will play our part; we shall mobilise people to vote. Union people should also take active part in politics, so as to be able to determine our fate. If you refuse to play politics, politics will play you.”

    Kaigama, who said the union’s leadership will not compromise on fighting for the welfare of workers, noted that the leadership had been up and doing, engaging government at various levels to get a better deal for workers.

    The state chairman of the TUC, Olubunmi Fajobi, urged the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to fulfill his promise to pay all outstanding arrears before leaving office. He also advised him to rescind his decision that civil servants should wait till 2020 to earn promotion.

  • TUC to salary-owing governors: Resign now

    TUC to salary-owing governors: Resign now

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Thursday asked state governors owing workers’ salaries to resign from office or face the workers’ wrath.

    TUC also condemned what it termed illegal recruitment going on in the civil service and other unresolved issues capable of affecting industrial peace and harmony in the public service.

    The president of the Congress, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, while speaking at the 10th Triennial Delegates Conference of the Congress in Abuja, said it was a shame that after collecting huge bailout funds from the Federal Government, some state governors are still looking for loans from the World Bank.

    He said: “It is a major cause for concern that some of our governors recently sought $3.2bn from the World Bank after recently collecting bailouts from the federal government.  We are surprised at their behaviour especially as they claim to be on the side of the masses and workers.

    “Although the law requires that workers be paid as and when due, several state governments owe as much as seven, eight and even nine months salaries of their workers, thus disobeying the law that they swore to obey to the letter.  It is our candid position that any governor who cannot pay should resign immediately lest we make his state ungovernable for him.

    “Is it not an irony for a governor who spends over N18,000 per month to fend for his dog to claim that he cannot pay same to his worker?  The governors should realise that governance is about thinking out of the box, and the test of our progress as a country is not whether they add more to their personal abundance but whether they provide effectively for the have-nots in the society.

    “The fact of the matter is that most of our governors are wicked to say the least.  Otherwise they will not be behaving in a reckless manner where they refuse to pay salaries whereas their own families are enjoying the commonwealth of the people recklessly in foreign lands.”

     

  • TUC to FG: Investigate sources of Boko Haram weapons

    The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has asked the Federal Government to carry out detailed investigation of the sources of arms for the Boko Haram sect and step up intelligence gathering in order to stamp out insurgency in the country.

    TUC in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade Musa Lawal, condemned last week’s bombings in Abuja and Maiduguri, describing the attacks as needless and mindless.

    Militants affiliated to the Islamic State have since claimed responsibility for Friday’s suicide bombings Kuje and Nyanya areas of Abuja.

    The congress appealed to the sect to stop its attacks on innocent citizens, adding that human life is sacrosanct and should not be taken for whatever reason by any person.

    The TUC said security agents should be drafted to cities, including the interior villages to ensure the safety of Nigerians.

    The congress said, “It is expedient now that intelligence reports be stepped up especially as it is being rumoured that the insurgents could have sent out more suicide bombers to the FCT and some states in the Northeast.

    “Everyone knows that the security operatives are doing so much to curtail the activities of the sect. But we would like to add that they become more and more proactive, to prove superiority of strategies. It is bad the attacks took place, but worse that it happened a day after the nation’s 55th independence.”