NLC accuses some states of diverting bailout loan

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday alleged that some governors are diverting the bailout loan into fixed deposit accounts.

Its president, Ayuba Wabba, who said this in an Independence Day message, added that the governors’ actions would be resisted.

Wabba praised the National Council of State and President Muhammadu Buhari for their interventions, but lamented that the enthusiasm and commitment shown on the matter has been lacking in some states.

He alleged that rather than pay salaries and pensions, some governors “have elected to play politics with workers’ welfare”.

“We condemn this attitude and strongly warn that henceforth, any state that defaults in the regular payment of salaries and pensions will face the wrath of the workers.

“Salaries and pensions are inalienable rights of workers and retirees and not privileges.

“We also call for reforms at state and local government levels to enhance the security of pension funds and regular payments.

“We want to caution the governors who have fixed the intervention funds in banks for pecuniary benefits. It is totally unacceptable.

“The NLC is working with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) to track the fixed funds and take appropriate action.

“We urge the government  re-think how to fix the economy through robust macro-economic, civil, accountable and people-oriented policies capable of addressing our dependency syndrome.

“We propose to government to, among other things, reduce the importation of luxury items or levy special tax on them, further eliminate corruption in the importation of refined petroleum products, ensure the country meets its consumption needs through enhanced local production.

“We propose a strategy that ensures a balance between the productive and social sectors with a focus on economic diversification-cum-quality and robust housing programmes.

“We urge the government to take other measures that could speed up the process of revitalisation, such as banning importation of finished textile products, resuscitate cotton farms, improve energy supply and give other incentives.”

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