President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday urged Nigerians to brace up for the harsh economic realities in the country occasioned by the recent fall in the price of oil at the international market, saying that industrial relationship can only be more cordial, if democracy was nurtured to grow.
The President, represented by the Minister of labour, Sen. Joel Danlamilkenya, spoke while addressing workers during yesterday’s May Day celebrations.
Jonathan pointed out that the present harsh economic realities were so glaring that the workers cannot afford to ignore them in their engagements with government and advised them to be realistic with their demands.
“It is in this circumstance that the theme of this year’s Workers’ Day becomes more germane for positive engagement between government and labour. It is therefore proper to celebrate workers because of the critical role they play in the society. May Day confers us the opportunity to reflect on the inherent reality we are being confronted with due to scarce resources.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress, TUC, have a duty to play, charting a way forward for continued development and growth of Nigeria.’’
Jonathan then commended both the NLC and the TUC, for their various contributions in the sustenance of the nation’s development and democracy, describing them as the gateway to the nation development.
“The workers, apart from their immense contributions, have in no small ways, made contributions towards the achievement of democracy through the enhancement of the processes and participation. Over these years, the workers have deepened their voice and government had attended to them. There is a new initiative being championed by the Ministry of Labour and Productivity aimed at broadening industrial and labour harmony and trade unionism. This development will no doubt engender the spirit of patriotism, national consciousness, occasioned by natural justice and reasoning.
“For us, the labour movement is central to national productivity and development, and as such have a critical role to play in chatting a way forward for continued development and productivity and in settling labour disputes.
“I have set a mechanism in place to further deepen government and labour relations. Let us use this opportunity to make a commitment for national development and rebirth. Attainment of national vision will not be possible without the commitment, work and participation of Nigerian workers. It is a joint effort. I look forward to seeing a strong and vibrant federation under the new leadership of labour. I urge them to ensure workers welfare and also, working constructively for the transformation of Nigeria.” Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Nigeria shall rise above all trepidation! Worry not GEJ, we shall overcome. Remember, tough time don't last, but tough people do!
ReplyDeleteGEJ said "I have set a mechanism in place to further deepen government and labour relations. Let us use this opportunity to make a commitment for national development and rebirth". And the outgoing government intend sharing N16bn as a benefit. Their is GOD ooooo
ReplyDeleteSo president Jonathan knows there is something called falling oil prices and he still has millions of Naira to collect as severance pay, despite the huge embezzlement his administration has committed. I wonder if he thinks before talking.
ReplyDeleteKeep quiet Jonathan. You are the major part of this problem. How much did you save during the oil boom? Nothing. Why did you not mention in your campaign that there will be tough times, you forgot I guess. Enough of your deceitful ruling. Go away already.
ReplyDeleteLa.
DeleteIt is so sad you have head but is a trash.
It is better you shut your dirty month than insulting people who can use their faculty to reason.
The questions I may ask Mr President if am permitted are these; what brought us in this mess under his watch? He promised us goodies, now that the contract he signed with Nigerians is about to expire, will he honestly say he merited a renewal considering these harsh realities ? Can he do an honest self reassessment of his six years as C in C placing his achievements side by side with total revenue entrusted in his care?
ReplyDeleteHe. Has gone for good. For the good of the country.
ReplyDelete