SENATE PRESIDENT, DAVID MARK
SAN FRANCISCO, September 18, (THEWILL) – President of the Senate, Senator David Mark has assured the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that the National Assembly will be fair in addressing the impasses arising from the review of the national minimum wage through the ongoing constitutional review process.
Senator Mark while addressing protesting NLC leaders who stormed the National Assembly complex Wednesday against the decision of the Legislators on the removal of the national minimum wage from the exclusive list to concurrent list said the Senate’s decision will be just and fair to all.
He said that the Senate will always stand by the people at all times, saying, “We are asking for participatory democracy. We do not only sit and take decisions, we listen to the yearnings and aspirations of the people and take decisions based on wide consultations.
“We feel the pains alongside the workers and will not rest our oars at ensuring that at the end of the day, our decision will be of peoples’ interest,” he stated.
Mark added that the process of constitutional review is not yet concluded stressing, “It is good that you people come now to voice your views. Both chambers will have a conference committee to review and improve on the issue raised”.
He cautioned the labour congress to always come out and make their case known to the National Assembly through public hearings and other means of communications in order to guide against differences which frequently affect the smooth running of government activities.
He reiterated that the Senate will continue to listen to the agitations of Nigerians, adding that the basis of lawmaking is for good governance and political stability.
Earlier, the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole called on the National Assembly in particular to revisit the issue of minimum wage in the interest of the Nigerian workers.
Oshiomhole tasked the National Assembly to retain the national minimum wage under the exclusive list to guarantee social security of Nigerian workers.
On his part, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Abdul Wahab Omar commended the leadership of the Senate for the roles in sustaining peace and stability in the polity and assured that the union will always engage dialogue in addressing issues concerning them.
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