By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief) @CelestineOkaf11
As Nigerian workers joins their counterparts all over the world today to celebrate this year's May Day, former President of the Senate, Anyim Pius Anyim, has praised the steadfastness and determination, in the face of socio-economic challenges, of the workers in Nigeria to put in their best for the good and progress of the country.
Anyim, in his 2022 May Day message to workers issued on his behalf, at the weekend, by Alhaji Ahmed Buhari, the Spokesman of his 2023 Presidential Campaign Group, lamented that the lingering economic hard times which has progressively affected the quality of life of the Nigerian workers and their families in the country seem unabating.
This development, Anyim pointed out, has caused severe nightmare to members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the entire working class both in the public and private sectors.
Anyim who is a front runner in the next year's presidential election in Nigeria, however cited the spiralling rate of inflation, under-employment, salary delays and denials, etc, which, he said, have compounded the woes of the Nigerian workers over the years, as some of the major economic challenges confronting the proletarian class in the country.
The Peoples Democratic Party's (PDP) Presidential hopeful described as "genuine patriots" the Nigerian workers for continuing to put in their best despite the excruciating environment and work conditions that have challenged their productivity. He urged them not to be demoralised by the situation of things, assuring them that by the grace of God, the on-going political transition would enthrone a new government in 2023 that will mitigate their current woes.
Anyim who was a career public servant for many years said: " It is shocking how the living and working conditions of the Nigerian public and private sector workers have rapidly deteriorated in the last few years. As I celebrate with you on the occasion of this year's Workers' Day, I share with you the pains and agony of Nigerian workers.
"On the one hand, uncontrolled Inflation has wiped out the purchasing power of the civil and public servants as well as the private sector workers. On the other hand, the deplorable state of the Nigerian economy has made it almost impossible to raise salaries and wages to a commensurate level with the Inflation rate, thereby putting workers in further quagmire.
"And yet, many workers in the country are grossly underemployed and underpaid in the face of galloping Inflation. In addition, the over-yoked workers, like the rest of Nigerians, are also contending with insecurity, exorbitant rents, poor transport facilities and dearth of other vital infrastructures.
"Despite these militating factors, you have continued to work and create wealth for the country. This resilience, undoubtedly, marks Nigerian workers out as great patriots, who, given the right environment would be in the forefront of launching Nigeria into her rightful place in terms of development.
"Your sacrifice shall not be in vain. I urge you take the ongoing political transition seriously and participate actively, so that by 2023, Nigeria will have a very competent government that will address all the challenges dragging the country down.
"By the grace of God, I see a greater and brighter Nigeria emerging from the agonies of the present time", Anyim said. NNL.
