The Ekiti State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed economic difficulties in Ekiti State and Nigeria at large to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released to journalists by the State Publicity Secretary, Raphael Adeyanju, the opposition party lamented the dismal conditions faced by workers in Ekiti State during this year’s Workers’ Day celebrations, asserting that the ruling party has let down the masses both at the state and national levels.

According to Adeyanju, civil servants and retirees in Ekiti State endure some of the most unfavorable conditions in Nigeria, receiving meager sums of fifteen thousand Naira for civil servants and ten thousand Naira for retirees as purported palliatives. He questioned the efficacy of such amounts in the face of the dire economic situation.

Commenting on the prevailing fuel scarcity and soaring cost of living in the state, the PDP spokesperson described the situation as intolerable, emphasizing the widespread poverty, high living costs, and general insecurity experienced by the populace.

The opposition party also criticized Governor Biodun Oyebanji for misplaced priorities, accusing him of focusing on projects with minimal impact on the welfare of Ekiti residents while neglecting pressing issues exacerbated by the APC-led federal government’s policies.

Adeyanju further highlighted the expansion of the state cabinet despite warnings of potential wastage, suggesting a trend of political patronage over genuine development efforts.

The PDP condemned what it perceives as the APC’s tendency to deflect blame and make excuses rather than address the concerns of ordinary citizens. They pointed to a pattern of blame-shifting within the APC, both at the federal and state levels, suggesting a failure to provide relief since assuming power.

Overall, the PDP’s statement reflects deep-seated dissatisfaction with the economic and governance landscape under the APC’s leadership, particularly in Ekiti State, and underscores the need for substantive change.

Yusuf Aish, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Gombe State, emphasized the need for the full implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage. Speaking during an interview at the May Day celebration, themed “People First,” held at the Pantami Stadium, Aish highlighted that the N30,000 minimum wage had not been completely enforced throughout Gombe State. He urged for its comprehensive implementation and rectification of existing disparities across various sectors.

Aish pointed out discrepancies in the implementation process, noting that while the health sector had achieved 65 percent compliance, other civil service sectors were yet to reach 100 percent implementation. He particularly underscored the challenges faced by local government workers, revealing that some local government areas were unable to even meet 10 percent of the minimum wage requirement.

Expressing the need to address the economic hardships faced by workers, Aish advocated for a shift from minimum wage discussions to discussions about a living wage. He emphasized the necessity of balancing and implementing the remaining portions of the N30,000 minimum wage, including enhancements in allowances.

Aish also mentioned agreements regarding tax waivers until full implementation is achieved and highlighted ongoing efforts to address these issues through negotiations and engagements with the government, especially concerning the technical aspects of implementation.

Furthermore, he stressed the importance of prioritizing human development to combat social vices and reduce crime rates. Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Manassah Jatau, reiterated the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and emphasized the friendly relationship between the government and workers, which has fostered peace and development in the state.

Bayo Onanuga, spokesperson for President Bola Tinubu, has expressed his support for Minister of Works, Engineer Dave Umahi, alleging that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the previous general election, was stirring up Igbos against the government.

Onanuga asserted that Umahi’s accusation highlights Obi’s double standards regarding the Lagos-Calabar superhighway. “Engineer Dave Umahi’s statement underscores Peter Obi’s hypocrisy on the Lagos-Calabar superhighway,” he posted on his social media account on Thursday.

Umahi had reportedly claimed that Obi was inciting the people of the southeast, particularly those who were misinformed, against the government. Umahi further alleged that even after getting the Igbos into trouble, Obi would not step forward to defend them.

Umahi made these remarks on Wednesday during a discussion about compensating property owners affected by the Lagos-Calabar coastal road project, which has been mired in controversy. The project involves the demolition of the Landmark Beach Resort, valued at $200 million, to create a right of way. The entire project is estimated to cost the federal government N15 trillion.

Obi had criticized Tinubu’s administration for proceeding with the contentious Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project despite public opposition. He argued that the government was investing in a project that would result in job losses at a time of widespread unemployment, suggesting that it wasn’t too late to halt the project.

In contrast, Umahi questioned Obi’s stance on the project, accusing him of condemning people and bringing judgment upon himself by doing so.