Resolve minimum wage or risk unrest like Kenya, ex-Generals warn

Retired Generals serving at the Centre For Crisis Communication (CCC) have called on the federal government to resolve minimum wage issues with the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to avert violent protests as currently happening in Kenya.

The centre made the call in Abuja on Monday during a briefing and called on the government to also address the Kano emirship tussle and the Rivers State political imbroglio.

The Chairman, board of Trustees (BoT) CCC, Major General Christopher Olukolade, said such developments tend to snowball into violence.

He said the government and organised private should as a matter of urgency resolve minimum wage negotiations which said have lingered too long.

“We have identified potentially violent or volatile developments in the country which we believe could spark off unnecessary crises with far-reaching consequences to our national security if they are not well managed. And that’s why I want to identify the ones we can pick on, among many others.

“First in that list is the yet-to-be-resolved minimum wage issue that has pitched the labour movement against the federal government. We do not subscribe to the idea of sweeping this issue under the carpet.

“We therefore want to unequivocally call on the government and the organised private sector to summon the required courage to take decision on this matter, and to meet and resolve it once and for all, than to constantly postpone the resolution of this issue.

“So the time to conclude the negotiation that has lasted so long is now, and the earlier it is done, the better. So we strongly suggest that it should be completed. Let’s decide on the nation’s minimum wage as it matters” he said

The centre has also expressed concern over the antics of those calling for the re-enactment of the anti-tax crisis happening in Kenya.

He said: “Those who believe that such destructive protests in Nigeria will be a way to resolving a crisis are rather calling for what is not consistent with our future and desire for a peaceful and progressive nation”.

He continued “So we want to caution against such tendencies and advise that the development in Kenya about their protests on tax is not a model for us to adopt in resolving our issues in a democracy, and that the situation in Nigeria can be better managed with good consensus, discussions, and the necessary consultations.

” In other words, we are strongly against the idea of referring to the Kenya-Nigeria civil model. The outcome of the protests is still fresh in our minds and it’s not a thing to re-enact by any other means.”

On the political feud in Rivers, he called on the parties to act in the general interest of the people.

“We are using this opportunity to call on those involved to sheath the sword and relate and when they relate, we believe that this could be solved and there’s no need to plunge that state into crisis.

“We don’t want to see a ripple effect of whatever is going on in terms of the altercations at the moment.

He added that the emirship tussle presents a huge potential for volatility.

“We do not want it to slide into trouble because of the Emirship tussle. We cannot combine that with what’s going on in the Rivers State.”

The centre also expressed concern over the prevalence of fake news and hate speech especially on social media and called for deliberate effort to discourage such tendency.

“Nigeria’s unity and corporate existence is more important to us than any achievement through fake news and unnecessary sentiments.

“While the centre will not advocate for government censorship on social media usage, the time has come for Nigerians to have a good conversation on how to moderate themselves in our daily communications as no country can progress or stabilise with the hateful and resentful communication going on in the Nigerian social media space.”

He added that “as a country that grapples with the various internal security challenges, the Center for Crisis Communication cautions against opening up another theatre of crisis. We urge all citizens to embrace peace and security and refrain from any actions that may further exacerbate the situation.

“We also appeal to the political, religious and community leaders to work together to address the underlying issues driving this tension and promote dialogue instead, driving understanding and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

“We believe that Nigeria’s diversity is a strength and that our differences can be resolved without unnecessary tension and crisis.”

Members of the centre who jointly addressed the briefing were Commodore A . Aliu (Rtd), Rear Admiral Almu (Rtd), Alhaji Yushau Shaibu and Mr. Chido Omeje.

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