***Renews call on labour to shelve planned strike
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated Nigerians as they celebrate the country’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, saying the country will be great again.
While calling on fellow citizens and compatriots to keep hope in the country alive, the speaker said doomsayers and pessimists would soon be disappointed.
Despite the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria, Abbas noted that the country still has the prospect and potential to reclaim its leadership position in the comity of nations, especially with its abundant human and natural resources.
He also urged the organised labour – Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress – to shelve the plan to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike on Tuesday over issues bothering on welfare.
“Embarking on a nationwide indefinite strike at this time would do the country no good. Rather, it would only aggravate the situation at hand, the Speaker said, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, on Saturday.
“The organized labour should reason with the Federal Government and put the strike on hold by cooperating with the authorities so that all issues would be resolved amicably.
Recall the speaker had on Tuesday cautioned against the strike, noting the consequences on the already ailing economy.
Again, he called for a return to the negotiating table by the leadership of the unions, noting that continued dialogue with the government would achieve greater and long-lasting results.
He also decried the brain drain being suffered by the country, stating that only Nigerians can rebuild their country to make its pasture greener.
“I urge young Nigerians to be more patriotic, using their talents and skills to develop their country.
“With the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the introduction of revolutionary policies and programmes, the government stands a better chance of winning the confidence of not just the youth but all citizens of the country,” he said.
While calling for support and prayers for the tiers and arms of the government at all levels, Abbas expressed optimism that the future is bright for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“The 10th House’s readiness is to accelerate the consideration and passage of legislation that will aid the growth and development of the country,” he said.
