By Aluta News
May 01, 2022
Frontline Peoples Democratic Party Presidential Aspirant, Anyim Pius Anyim, has urged Nigerian workers to take the ongoing political transition seriously and participate actively in 2023 general elections.
Anyim gave the advice in his 2022 May Day message to workers, signed by Spokesman, Anyim Presidential Campaign, Ahmed Buhari, in Abuja on Sunday.
Anyim said that workers active participation was important so that by 2023, Nigeria would have a very competent government that would address all the challenges facing workers and dragging the country down.
“I urge you to take the ongoing political transition seriously and participate actively, so that by 2023, Nigeria will have a very competent government that will address all the challenges dragging the country down.
“By the grace of God, I see a greater and brighter Nigeria emerging from the agonies of the present time.”
The former President of the Senate commended Nigerian workers for their steadfastness and determination to put in their best in spite of their harsh economic realities of the day.
He lamented the downturn in the quality of the life of workers in the country caused by bad economic situation.
Anyim cited high rate of inflation, underemployment, salary delays, and salary denials as some of the major economic challenges facing workers as well as myriads of non economic factors that had brought pains to workers in the country.
This, according to the former Secretary to Government of the Federation, has made the living condition of members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the entire working class both in the public and private sectors a nightmare.
“It is shocking how the living and working conditions of the Nigerian public and private sector workers have rapidly deteriorated in the last few years.
“As I celebrate with you on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, I share with you the pains and agony of Nigerian workers.
“On the one hand, uncontrolled inflation has wiped out the purchasing power of the civil and public servants as well as the private sector workers.
“On the other hand, the deplorable state of the Nigerian economy has made it almost impossible to raise salaries and wages to a commensurate level with the inflation rate, thereby putting workers in further quagmire.
“And yet, many workers in the country are grossly underemployed and underpaid in the face of galloping Inflation.
“In addition, the over-yoked workers, like the rest of Nigerians, are also contending with insecurity, exorbitant rents, poor transport facilities and dearth of other vital infrastructures.
Anyim, who was a career public servant for many years, urged workers not to be demoralised by the situation of things.
He assured them that by the grace of God, the on-going political transition would enthrone a new government in 2023 that would be mindful of the plight of workers, competent in economy management and reverse their pains.
“Despite these militating factors, you have continued to work and create wealth for the country.
“This resilience, undoubtedly, marks Nigerian workers out as great patriots, who, given the right environment would be in the forefront of launching Nigeria into her rightful place in terms of development.
“Your sacrifice shall not be in vain.”
NAN