Workers in Nigeria express worries over unresolved issues

Workers in several states in Nigeria have expressed worries over the unresolved issues surrounding the national minimum wage, contributory pension scheme and other related challenges. Their woorise is further heigthened by the prolonged slience of labor leaders in the face of increasing challenges confronintg workers in the affected states as a result of the unresolved issues. Sadly, some labor unions benefited cash financially from state governments and politically exposed people in the just concluded general elections in exchange for electoral support. In a related development, the chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union and Associated Institutions(NASU), University College Hospital(UCH) branch, Ibadan, Nigeria, Comrade Kehinde Abiona has called on the members of the union to remain calm as the union awaits a new date for elections from its national headquarters. ''Presently, the branch is waiting for the directive of the national headquarters of the union on the new date for elections. I implore our members to be law abiding and continue to give us their individual loyalty and we promise to continue to stand in the gap between members and management anytime and any day. The union has waxed stronger since the procedure to elect new branch leaders was disrupted. The sitting executives are yet to be dissolved. The Abiona-led executive is still in charge of the branch.'' Meanwhile, the UCH branch of the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals(NUAHP) has insisted that the Oladayo Olabampe-led executives believe in the sacredness of transparency and accountability. This position was made known on behalf of the union by its Public Relation Officer, Dr. Danile Adejobi. ''This administration runs an open administration.'' The union's insistence is coming on the heels of allegations levelled against the branch executives by some members(names not mentioned to avoid victimization). The allegations are hinged on corruption, high-handedness, lack of accountability and insensitivity. However, Dr. Adejobi maintained that his response to the allegations would only come when the identities of the members are verified. ''I have to verify that the allegations are coming from the right quarters. I will need to have proof that the allegations are coming from my members before I respond. It may be concocted. On a general note, none of the allegations are true, except if you have proof of the members that made the allegations.''