Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday complained about the delay in the new minimum wage negotiations.
They, however, appealed that whatever agreement to be made between the federal government and the leadership of Organised Labour, should be within the reach of what stakeholders can pay.
The governors in support of the recent Supreme Court judgement granting financial autonomy to the local government system and pledged continuous support to the third tier of government.
At a meeting of the Forum held at the Enugu State Government House, the chairman of the Forum and governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, noted that in order to address the problems facing the party and the nation, the Forum was consulting with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other party organs.
In a communique issued at the end of a four-hour meeting of the Forum, the governors called on the federal government and Organised Labour to speed up action in the negotiations of the new minimum wage in view of the ongoing hardship faced by Nigerians caused by the dismal performance of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government.
The forum in the communique read by Governor Bala Mohammed said: “The minimum wage negotiations are becoming unduly protracted in the face of the attendant unprecedented hardship and impoverishment of the majority of the people.
“The governors, therefore, resolved that Labour’s demand for a substantial salary raise is eminently justified and, therefore, commands the support of this Forum.
“While the Forum fully supports Labour’s demand, the agreement must consider the ability of the sub-nationals, the federal government, and the third tier of government to pay.
“While negotiations are ongoing, we appeal for restraint against actions that could lead to the breakdown of law and order and ultimately the collapse of the economy.”
