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Forum backs Soludo on minimum wage for elected officials
The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum says it supports the statement by Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra that governors and other elected officials should earn only the minimum wage given the country’s current economic realities .
The National President of the forum, Alhaji Shettima Yerima, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
NAN reports that Soludo had,while reacting to the rejection of the proposed N62 ,000 minimum wage by the Nigeria Governor’s Forum,said governors and other elected officials too should earn minimum wage to have a feel what workers are going through in the face of economic challenges.
” Let’s come clean and straight with Nigerians. Nigeria is very poor and broke, but the lifestyle of government and government officials does not show it, especially with the obscene flamboyance in public display,
“The poor are hungry and impatient, let us not annoy them more with our insensitivity. In this case, I agree with Reverend Father Mbaka, who said elected governors should also earn minimum wage. I agree that we should be paid that so that we can feel that as well.”,Soludo had said .
Yerima told NAN that in a country where the disparity between the earnings of political leaders and the average citizen is staggering, such a stance is not only refreshing but also necessary in fostering a more equitable society.
He said: “The statement made by Gov. Charles Soludo of Anambra, regarding the need for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage in order to reflect the current economic reality of Nigeria is both bold and commendable.
“For too long, Nigeria has been plagued by corruption and a lack of accountability among its political class. Elected officials often receive exorbitant salaries and allowances while the majority of the population struggles to make ends meet.
“This imbalance not only breeds resentment among the populace but also perpetuates a culture of entitlement among those in power.
“By advocating for governors and other elected officials to earn only the minimum wage, the governor is sending a strong message that public service should not be about personal enrichment but about working towards the common good.”he said.
Yerima said that Soludo’s statement should be lauded and supported by all Nigerians, who ,he said ,were tired of the excesses and opulence of their leaders while the country continues to face challenges.
The forum ‘s president said it was improper for leaders not to identify with the people in the face of widespread poverty, inadequate infrastructure and a struggling healthcare system.
According to him, elected officials should be willing to make sacrifices and tighten their belts in solidarity with the people they serve .
“There is the nerd for elected officials to be in touch with the realities faced by the average Nigerian, as it is only through shared experiences and empathy that true change can be achieved.
“The call is a step in the right direction towards creating a more just and equitable society.
“His bold stance should be supportjed and emulated by leaders at all levels of government, as it signifies a commitment to serving the people rather than exploiting their positions for personal gain.
“As Nigerians, we must demand accountability and integrity from our political leaders,” he said.
(NAN)
The Chairman Northern States Governors Forum and Gombe State Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya has being quite as the death toll of beneficiaries expecting payment under Northern States Governors hit 109 on Saturday with the death of Ado Umar at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna.
A post on the New Nigerian Newspapers’ Northern States’ Governors Forum (NSGF) Beneficiary Whatsapp platform by Alhaji Idris said “we loss another Beneficiary in Person of
Ado Umar this afternoon at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna
May Allah SWT Grant him Aljannah Firdausi”
2 days ago a New Nigerian Newspaper beneficiary waiting for payment Mr Zakka Bitiyong of Commercial Printing Department and Radio Room was buried in Kaduna.
The entire NNN family has being thrown into mourning as members cried uncontrollably and over 200 storm the Whatsapp platform lamenting over the death Ado Umar
A passionate appeal message on the platform said last week said ” we are soliciting for prayers, one of our Former colleague Driver and also Beneficiary
in Person of Ado Umar (Baba Ado) Have been operated for Hernia treatment
at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada Kaduna”
Reports say that the number of beneficiaries in dear need of medical attention have gone up from 29 to 36.
Northern States Governors Forum under Governor Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State raked in 7 billion naira after selling New Nigerian Newspaper properties in the name of paying NNN beneficiaries but until now no penny has been paid out of the 2.5 Billion naira owed the retirees.
Zamfara State elders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have lauded the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle, for his generosity in distributing over 100 cows to party members in celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
The distribution took place in Gusau, with APC State Chairman Hon. Tukur Umar Danfulani represented by the party’s Secretary, Hon. Ibrahim Umar Dangaladima, overseeing the process.
In a statement, the convener of the Zamfara APC Elders Forum, Dr. Mua’zu Haruna Gummi, praised Matawalle’s act, describing it as a demonstration of his commitment to the party and the people of Zamfara State.
“This gesture is not just about charity; it is a testament to Dr. Matawalle’s leadership, his concern for the well-being of our people, and his deep understanding of the values that bind us together as a community,” Gummi stated.
“At a time when unity and solidarity are crucial, he has stepped forward to remind us that true leadership is about service, about giving back, and about ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Gummi further described Matawalle as not only a political leader but also a father figure who prioritizes the needs of his people.
He called on party members to rally behind leaders like Matawalle, who are dedicated to the growth of the party and the development of Zamfara State.
Meanwhile, the Minister also urged Nigerians to continue praying for the country’s security forces as they intensify operations against armed groups, achieving notable successes.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and stability in the region.
The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), on Saturday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State Government and the Federal Government following the brutal mob attack that led to the killing of innocent Northern hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
The victims were reportedly returning home to celebrate the end of Ramadan and Eid Kabir with their families when they were attacked.
NEF spokesperson, Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, in a statement, condemned the killings as “barbaric, extra-judicial, and cowardly,” calling for urgent action to address the situation.
He said: “The North has tolerated numerous such animalistic and cannibalistic acts of recklessness from some Southern part of Nigeria in the past. This must come to an end.
“The North will take stringent action in response to this inhumane attack on its peace-loving people. Consequently, the NEF hereby demands the following immediate actions from the authorities in Edo State and the Federal Government.
“The swift recovery of the bodies of the victims and their dignified transfer to their families for an honorable and befitting burial in accordance with their respective faiths. The arrest and trial of all individuals responsible for the attack and the brutal killings of the innocent travellers.”
The forum also demands a public prosecution of the perpetrators and those that aided the crime to ensure full transparency and accountability.
He add, “The due payment of compensation to the families of the victims, in line with the prescribed standards of their respective faiths. An unreserved apology from the people and authorities of Edo State, with a commitment to ensuring that such barbaric behavior never occurs again.
“An unreserved apology from the Edo State Government to the North for this heinous attack on its people. The punishment of the perpetrators must be witnessed by the public to serve as a deterrent to any such future acts of violence.
“The NEF demands that the Edo State Government and the Federal Government take concrete and visible steps to fulfill these demands within fourteen (14) days from the date of this release. Failure to do so will compel the North to take all necessary actions to seek justice for her people and the North.
“The Federal Government must ensure that justice is served to the victims and their families to preserve peace, stability, and the peaceful coexistence of all Nigerians.”
The NEF urged Northern communities to remain calm and patient while it pursues the matter through the appropriate government agencies.