Workers Day:Atiku Slams Tinubu Over Unjust Treatment of Workers,Others
On May 1, 2024, amid the celebrations of International Workers Day, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar expressed his deep concerns over the harsh realities faced by Nigerian workers under President Tinubu’s administration.
In a heartfelt message, Atiku, who has twice been a presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lamented the government’s continual implementation of policies that are perceived as anti-poor.
Atiku highlighted the severe challenges faced by workers in Nigeria, describing their situation as dire despite repeated government promises of wage increases, which have yet to materialize. According to him, workers continue to endure hardships, exacerbated by inefficient policies and an evident lack of action against systemic corruption.
He particularly criticized the current administration’s handling of the petrol subsidy regime. The government’s decision to remove the subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit was made unilaterally, without consulting worker representatives. This move, Atiku noted, is emblematic of a broader disregard for the welfare of the Nigerian populace, as it was followed by increased tariffs in various services without any significant measures to tackle corruption or inefficiency.
Atiku drew parallels between the current workers’ plight and the historical struggles against bad governance, referencing past labor leaders like Pa. Michael Imoudu, Pascal Bafyau, and Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, who championed worker rights. He stressed that no previous administration had undermined worker rights as severely as the current one, pointing to the everyday uncertainties faced by workers due to escalating prices of essential goods.
Despite these harsh conditions, Atiku sent a message of solidarity to the Nigerian workers, recognizing their endurance against what he described as tyrannical governance. He voiced his hope that the theme of this year’s Labour Day, “Ensuring Safety and Health at Work In a Changing Climate,” would encourage the government to prioritize the needs and well-being of workers more significantly.