The Northern Youth Progressive Movement, NYPM, has strongly rebuked and dismissed the unfounded and slanderous allegations attributed to Isa Tijani, posing as a labor veteran, who has criticized the nationwide strike led by Organised Labour concerning the minimum wage issue.
In a detailed response articulated by its Chairman Dr. Musa Kaltungo, the NYPM vehemently declared Isa Tijani as an outcast among labor leaders and trade unions within Nigeria, citing his history within the ruling party’s Labor committee. It emphasizes his proclivity for disseminating falsehoods on behalf of the party at the expense of Nigerian workers and the general populace, rather than advising the party on effective governance without perpetuating economic hardships and destitution among Nigerians.
The NYPM’s statement robustly defends the recent actions taken by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) through a lawful strike on June 3. It underscores the strike as a valid expression of Nigerian workers’ overwhelming frustration stemming from prevalent economic adversities and deteriorating work conditions.
Furthermore, the NYPM affirmatively supported the labor movement’s decision to proceed with the strike, cautioning against prematurely suspending or terminating the strike without ensuring an agreement with the government. This depiction aims to portray the NYPM’s unwavering dedication to the cause and an acute understanding of the government’s historical unreliability in honoring agreements with citizens.
The statement also contends against Isa Tijani’s allegations of criminal conduct during the strike, categorically dismissing them as baseless and distortions of reality. It underscores the disruptions during the strike as a direct consequence of government inactivity and reluctance to engage in constructive dialogues with labor leaders. Additionally, it refutes Tijani’s insinuations of partisan politicking within the NLC, emphasizing the organization’s steadfast commitment to prioritizing the welfare of Nigerian workers over political allegiances.
A call to Nigerian workers and citizens to remain resolute and unified in the face of malicious attacks is also emphasized, reflecting the NYPM’s unwavering support for the NLC and TUC in their pursuit of fair wages, affordable electricity tariffs, and fair treatment of consumers. The NYPM urges the populace to disregard Isa Tijani’s statements and reaffirms its dedication to the ongoing struggle for a fairer and more equitable Nigeria.
The Northern Youth Progressive Movement seizes the opportunity to call on the government to concentrate on negotiating a national minimum wage that is equitable for workers, reversing electricity tariff increments, and re-evaluating consumer classifications. It starkly underscores how these are legitimate demands and cannot be dismissed as mere propaganda.
Finally, the statement emphasizes the organization’s resolve to mobilize its members in the North to participate en masse should Organised Labour opt for a total nationwide shutdown. Additionally, it squarely denounces Isa Tijani’s statements as desperate and reaffirms its unwavering support for the NLC and TUC, emphasizing their relentless efforts in safeguarding the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and the general populace.
