The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and unity as the nation heads towards its general election next year.
It also urged the people to work towards violence-free and credible elections.
The congress also called on the federal government to listen to the cries of Nigerian workers and approve the demand for a new minimum wage in the spirit of the Eid-el-Fitri.
In a goodwill message on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri yesterday, President of the NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, expressed the hope that the will of Nigerian voters would prevail in the 2019 polls.
He said: “Eid-el-Fitr teaches us to love and to share.
“In view of the divisive political current flowing all over Nigeria and mainly driven by irresponsible politics, it is important that we learn that united in love and sharing we stand, divided in prejudice and hate we fall!
“The NLC urges every Nigerian Muslim and all citizens to fully imbibe the virtues of Eid-el-Fitr.
“Well, in the midst of harrowing general inflation, Nigerian workers have soldiered on in self-denial, dedication and diligence as partners in the onerous mission of nation building.
“The government can make workers’ load lighter by quickly approving the demand of organised labour for a new national minimum wage.
“Organised labour appreciates all Muslims for praying for Nigeria during this year’s Ramadan.
“As we gradually approach another election year in 2019, we urge all Nigerians to intensify prayers for national peace and work towards a violence-free and credible elections.
“It is our prayer that in the 2019 elections, the will of the Nigerian electorate will prevail, be respected and the blessings of Eid-el-Fitr will abide with us.”
Why Nigerians must imbibe Ramadan lessons -TUC
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) says Nigerians must imbibe the lessons of the Ramadan to move the country forward.
The TUC, in a statement yesterday, said that Ramadan goes beyond the spiritual aspect of fasting.
It said virtues like personal sacrifice, piety and self-denial must now be embraced by all in the interest of the country.
“The deficiency of these virtues is the fundamental reason why countries we were at par with in the 1970s have all left us behind,” it said in the statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozidi.
It added: “The time to look beyond all artificial social, political and economic divisions, including minor ethnic and religious differences in society, is now.
“All faithful must abide strictly with the teachings of the Koran and Prophet Mohammed.
“We implore all Nigerians to be patriotic and strictly allow the cardinal principles of our respective religions to reflect in all our dealings, as it remains the way we can ensure peace and unity of the nation. We should exhibit oneness to be able to stand strong together through diverse difficulties and challenges. We must focus on the things that bind us together.
“That is the new Nigeria we want.”
