‘It is False’ – House Of Reps Slams NLC, TUC Over Circulating Fake Lawmakers’ Salary

• The House of Reps accused organized labour of spreading fake lawmakers’ salary.

• Lawmakers emphasized that the actions of the NLC and TUC in circulating these figures could incite public resentment.

• The House reaffirmed its commitment to improving workers’ conditions and acknowledged the temporary suspension of the strike for further negotiations.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the House of Representatives has criticized organized labour in Nigeria, accusing it of disseminating false and exaggerated information about the salaries of lawmakers.

The lawmakers, refuting the salary figures circulated by labour on social media, stated that the actions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in spreading “fake earnings” of National Assembly members could incite public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.

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This stance was articulated in a statement signed by the House spokesperson, Akin Rotimi, on Tuesday.

The statement further emphasized that the House remains committed to improving working conditions for Nigerian workers and expressed satisfaction that the strike action initially declared by the labour unions to demand a new minimum wage has been suspended to allow for further negotiations with the government.

The statement read, “The House of Representatives acknowledges the recent industrial action undertaken by the NLC and the TUC due to the breakdown in negotiations for a new national minimum wage.

“The People’s House is pleased to note that the strike action has been suspended for one week to allow for further negotiation.

“During this period, as we have previously demonstrated, the People’s House remains responsive and committed to actively engaging all stakeholders to resolve the issues in the best interest of Nigerians.”

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“House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen has consistently advocated a living wage and better working conditions for workers.

“At various fora, he has emphasised the importance of addressing key national priorities, including the state of the economy and insecurity, through legislative action.

“While the Green Chamber is in full support of the call for improved wages and working conditions, there is a great need to exercise caution in increasing the minimum wage beyond what our economy can sustain to avoid unintended outcomes such as inflation, layoffs, and other adverse economic consequences.

“Thus, we restate the importance of approaching this issue from a balanced perspective to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all.

“In the same vein, we observed with concern the direction of the strike action before its suspension and what it portends for the future.”

The House, however, condemned the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid and airports, during the joint unions’ mandated strike on Monday, saying it brought pain to Nigerians and those responsible for such actions must be brought to book.

“Importantly, the shutdown of critical infrastructure, such as the national grid, constitutes economic sabotage and is detrimental to the well-being of our country. Those responsible for these actions must be held accountable.

“We also find it troubling that the leadership of Organised Labour, the majority of who live far above the means of the average Nigerian, would engage in actions that exacerbate the suffering of ordinary citizens.

“It is necessary, therefore, to state that while industrial actions and dissent are fundamental rights within our democratic space that must be protected, the manner in which Labour conducted itself during the just-suspended strike largely shows a lack of empathy for Nigerians.

Fake Lawmakers’ Salary

“Is the objective of the leadership of the unions to compel the government to implement a living wage or to inflict pain on Nigerians?

“Additionally, it is important to address persistent misinformation and disinformation propagated by organised Labour leadership regarding the earnings of lawmakers.

“This is especially because organised Labour has, for years, contributed to false narratives about the remuneration of members of the National Assembly, exaggerating figures to stoke public resentment and undermine the credibility of the Legislature.

“This tactic diverts attention from the core issues at stake and unfairly vilifies the institution of parliament. It is crucial for all parties to engage in an honest and transparent dialogue rather than resorting to the spread of inaccuracies for political leverage.

“Contrary to the insinuations of the Labour leadership through its social media platforms, the Legislature is on the side of Nigerians and will continue to act in the best interest of our constituents – giving meaning to their mandate.”

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It further urged the union leadership to return to the negotiation table and engage other stakeholders in good faith to achieve a balanced and sustainable outcome.

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