Angry workers send Senate, Reps leaders away from Eagle Square

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker Yakubu Dogara were whisked away from Eagle Square, venue of the Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja.

reports that trouble started after Chris Ngige sent Biola Bawa, permanent secretary in the ministry of labour, to deliver his speech.

Ngige represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event.

The workers who were protesting poor minimum wage refused to listen to the permanent secretary.

Ngige also suffered same fate - he was booed by the workers.

Adams Oshiomhole, a former president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), could not pacify the workers.

Other government officials also left. After the departure of the guests, the workers continued with the programme.

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Saraki and Dogara had earlier released statements to felicitate with the workers.

In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his special adviser on media and publicity, Saraki lauded the resilience and commitment of workers in both the formal and informal sector, describing their contribution to the nation and the economy as priceless.

“On our part, the Nigerian Senate will continue to partner with Nigerian workers to enact legislation that will guarantee that they get their dues at the appropriate time, that their safety and well-being in the workplace are reassured. All these are necessary because when our workers are well taken care of, our businesses thrive, our economy grows, and our nation continues to succeed,” Saraki stated.

Dogara pledged the commitment of the House of Representatives to passing a new minimum wage bill.

Dogara said increasing workers’ salary and wages have become necessary in view of the current inflation, Naira devaluation and rising cost of living.