President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated that the federal government will only pay a minimum wage that it can sustain, emphasizing that the country must tailor its expenses to its financial capabilities,Daily Trust reports.
In his Democracy Day broadcast, the President informed the National Assembly to expect his proposal regarding the final settlement for a new National Minimum Wage.
Speaking on Wednesday night at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner, Tinubu addressed the minimum wage issue with the leaders of the National Assembly, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. He stated that while the government intends to fulfill its obligations, it will only pay what is feasible.
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“Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll receive a notice regarding the minimum wage. We will proceed with it based on what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, and what I can afford. As the saying goes, you cut your coat according to your size, if you have a size at all,” the President remarked.
Responding to social media reactions after he stumbled while getting into a vehicle for a parade, the President humorously described the incident as a “dobale,” a Yoruba term for prostrating.
He explained that as a traditional Yoruba man, he was performing dobale at Eagles Square, emphasizing that democracy is worth such an act.
“June 12 represents the heart and soul of our democratic struggle in the country. This morning, I had a swagger, which has been circulating on social media. People are confused whether I was doing ‘buga’ or ‘babaringa’, but today is a day to celebrate democracy while performing ‘dobale’ for Democracy. As a traditional Yoruba boy, I did my dobale. Democracy is worth falling for,” he said.
At the event, several pro-democracy icons spoke about the democratic struggle in Nigeria, including Professor Bolaji Akiyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani, and Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake, who highlighted President Tinubu’s role in the struggle that led to the Democracy Day celebration.
Also present were the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.
Attendees included Babagana Kingibe, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Pius Akinyelure, Chief Bisi Akande, Aremo Segun Osoba, and Senator Abu Ibrahim.
Governors present at the event included Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).
