Delta State workers expressed their disappointment on Wednesday as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori failed to make a policy statement on minimum wage during the May Day celebration.
Despite the workers’ anticipation for an announcement regarding a new minimum wage, Governor Oborevwori concluded his address without addressing the issue, prompting the workers to voice their grievances.
Interrupting the governor with chants of “no, no, no, we no gree, pay us our minimum wage,” the workers expressed their frustration. However, Governor Oborevwori remained firm, insisting that the workers could not pressure him into paying the minimum wage.
The 2024 May Day celebration, themed “People First,” turned into a carnival-like event in the state and included a march past by various affiliate unions. However, the governor’s address in Asaba was disrupted by noise from the workers, who were disappointed by his silence on the minimum wage matter.
According to one of the union leaders, they had previously discussed the matter with the governor, but all attempts to make him understand their position failed.
“Listen to me, listen to me, calm down, calm down, you cannot cajole me,” the governor reiterated.
Governor Oborevwori announced that his administration would establish a committee to address workers’ demands for salary increases due to the current economic challenges in the country.
He commended the state workers for their support during the emergence of his administration and for maintaining industrial harmony across the state.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, he promised to address the issue of workers who were inadvertently omitted from receiving promotion arrears.
“I have listened attentively to your requests, and I have taken note of them; they are, no doubt, legitimate demands. As a responsible government, I will deliberate with my team on how best to address them within the limits of the resources available to us,” he assured.
In an address delivered by Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, he emphasized the importance of politicians keeping their promises, stating, “We want promise-keeping politicians because, as workers, we keep records of promises.”