Worried by the increase in electricity tariff, Civil Society Organisations under the Forum for Good Governance in Nigeria, FGGN, said it has concluded plans to embark on a protest against the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu for insisting on the electricity tariff hike despite economic hardship facing Nigerians.

In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator and Secretary of the group, Abraham Douglas and Bala Galadima Ikara, the position of the Minister is “Insensitive.

The group advised the Minister to work on measures to restore constant power supply that will help to attract investors to establish sustainable businesses and boost the economy instead of proposing a hike in electric tariff at this critical period of the dearth of development in the country.

The statement said, “the ministers claims that if the federal government continues to pay electricity subsidy for Nigerians, investors will not come is illusionary and unacceptable.

“Adelabu has no business remaining in the critical offices he occupies for failing Nigerians he should just take the honourable path and resign, or be faced with frequent civil society mass actions because Nigerians are sick and tired of his weakness and lack of capacity to deliver on Tinubu’s campaign promise.”

The Organized Labour in Kogi State has called for the immediate implementation of a wage increase to N35,000 for workers in the state. Gabriel Amari, the Kogi State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), made this demand during his May Day address in Lokoja. He argued that the current national minimum wage of N30,000 does not adequately meet the basic needs of workers, given the current market conditions.

Amari emphasized the urgency of this wage adjustment, considering the continuous rise in the costs of goods and services, which diminishes the purchasing power of workers. He proposed that until negotiations for a new minimum wage are finalized and implemented, the wage increase would provide temporary relief to workers facing economic hardships.

Additionally, the Organized Labour in the state urged the Kogi State Government to follow the example of other states that have already implemented the President’s recommendations regarding wage increases for Nigerian workers. They stressed that this action would demonstrate the government’s commitment to the welfare of its workforce.

Furthermore, Labour highlighted specific concerns that need government attention, including the payment of weigh-in allowance for workers in media houses, the restoration of teachers’ peculiar allowance, issuance of promotion letters, and payment of outstanding salary balances. They also advocated for the full implementation of Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for health workers, provision of affordable housing for workers, and support for parastatals and ministries.

Addressing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the NLC Chairman expressed concerns about security challenges in Kogi State. He emphasized that insecurity not only threatens stability but also affects productivity, economic growth, and job opportunities. He cited recent incidents of violence and attacks, urging the government to support community policing initiatives, enlist the help of hunters, and prioritize intelligence gathering to combat criminal activities effectively.

Dave Umahi, the Minister of Works, has accused Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, of rousing opposition against the government among the people of the southeast, particularly those lacking sufficient information. Umahi asserted that Obi would not advocate for the people despite leading them into trouble. These comments were made during an event organized by the Federal Ministry of Works to compensate property owners affected by the controversial Lagos-Calabar coastal road project.

The project, spanning 700 kilometers, has stirred controversy due to the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, to make way for it. The demolition has drawn criticism, with Paul Onwuanibe, the Group CEO of Landmark, expressing concern over the destruction of businesses and livelihoods.

In response, Peter Obi criticized the government for proceeding with the project despite public outcry and high unemployment rates. He emphasized the need for national priorities such as security, poverty alleviation, healthcare, and education, particularly for the underprivileged. Obi condemned the demolition of businesses and residences along the project’s designated route, describing it as insensitive and distressing.

Umahi, however, defended the government’s actions, refuting claims of inhumanity towards Landmark. He accused Obi of condemning people without proper knowledge, thereby inviting judgment upon himself and inciting the uninformed populace of the southeast. Umahi stressed the importance of wisdom and urged people to refrain from being misled, emphasizing his active involvement in addressing the issues raised by the project.