President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hinted that the federal government will only pay the minimum wage it can afford, saying that the country will cut its coat according to its cloth.
The President had in his Democracy Day broadcast alerted the National Assembly to expect his memorandum on the final settlement for a new National Minimum Wage.
Tinubu spoke Wednesday night at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, during the 25th Democracy Day Anniversary Dinner.
On the minimum wage issue, speaking to the leaders of the National Assembly, represented by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, the President said the government would do what is expected, but would also pay what it can afford.
“Senate President, Deputy Senate President, you’ll get a notice on the minimum wage. We’re going to do it; what Nigeria can afford, what you can afford, what I can afford. They ask you to cut your coat according to your size, if you have size at all”, the President said.
Responding to the social media reaction after he missed his step while climbing into a vehicle for a parade, the President described the incident as a “dobale”, Yoruba word for prostrating.
According to him, as a traditional Yoruba ‘boy’ he was doing dobale at the Eagles Square, saying democracy was worth falling for.
“June 12 represent the heart and soul of our democratic struggle in the country.
“Early this morning, I had a swagger and it’s on the social media. They are confused whether I was doing buga or doing babaringa but it is a day to celebrate democracy while doing ‘dobale’ for Democracy.
“I am traditionally a Yoruba boy, I did my dobale. Democracy is a day that is worthy of falling for”, he said.
Among those that spoke at the occasion on democratic struggle in Nigeria were pro-democracy icons, including Professor Bolaji Akiyemi, Chief Segun Osoba, Senator Shehu Sani and Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, who recalled President Tinubu’s role in the struggle that eventually crystallized into Democracy Day celebration.
Also on ground were the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; and the Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima.
Babagana Kingibe; Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, Chief Pius Akinyelure; Chief Bisi Akande; Aremo Segun Osoba; Senator Abu Ibrahim were also present.
Some of the governors in attendance were Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom); Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo); Usman Ododo (Kogi); Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta); Uba Sani (Kaduna); Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); and Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers).
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