By Gift Samuel, The Sight News
Abuja- As the clamour for restructuring intensifies, the Nigerian Labour Congress has been challenged to take its rightful position at the forefront of issues in Nigeria through solidarity to ensure unity.
Giving the charge on Wednesday in Abuja at the Nigerian Labour Congress Colloquium,His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan Mohammed Sa’ad III who was the special guest of honour, said that Labour has all it takes to challenge any government and to move the country forward.
Speaking on the theme “The Labour Movement and the Future of National Unity:What Role for Restructuring”, the Sultan stressed the need to look back at our history as a nation and find lasting solutions to today’s issues.
According to him; “If restructuring will make life better, then it should be discussed but if it is to divide the country, I am not part of it”.
In his paper presentation, Senator Sam Egwu stressed the need to work for a Democratic and strong Nigeria where the state will play its traditional role to provide a level playing ground for all.
Egwu who noted that the platforms chosen to contest citizenship and nationhood is a wrong one, stressed the need to reengage unity in Nigeria.
He said; “Structure has nothing to do with governance and governance must be taken as a special project in Nigeria.Nigeria has neglected National Unity which was a project in this country and we work against it on daily basis and I don’t agree that Nigeria is indissoluble rather we should work to keep it united”.
Earlier, The NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba emphasized that while welcoming the debate on how best to make the Nigerian union work, there is need to underscore good governance in Nigeria as a basis for any realistic development and eventual emancipation of the people.
He expressed anger over the fact that many of the prominent figures in the forefront of the current agitation for restructuring of Nigeria have had opportunities to play important roles in the governance of the the country in the past and are still part of the governing structure in various ways.
In his word, “If the resources available to us as a nation were well managed and not stolen by both the public and private sector operators from all parts of the country without exception, the escalating problems of unemployment, decaying infrastructure, non-funding of education, health care and other social services would be adequately addressed”.
He further added that the colloquium was organized in response to recent developments in the polity and the stringent and vocal calls for restructuring of Nigeria.
