Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has called on the All Progressives
Congress led federal government to deliver its promised welfare programme
to Nigerians.
Falana who lamented the hardship Nigerians are going through noted that
electricity tariff had been increased even though there was no improvement
in electricity supply.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said if the FG can borrow to pay
salaries then it should do same to fulfil its campaign promises.
He stated this at the 2016 Pre-May Day Lecture with the theme, “The
fundamental Objectives and Directive Principles of State Policy”,
organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union
Congress (TUC).
Falana who was represented by Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, the Chairman, Partner for
Electoral Reforms also said that Nigerians were being forced to pay more
for education, health, fuel and other essential social services.
“Since the Federal Government is in a position to borrow N600 billion
every month to pay salaries, it should also borrow to fund the welfare
programme promised by the APC.
“It is therefore suggested that the stolen wealth being recovered should
be channeled towards the funding of a welfare programme for the people,”
he added.
He called on the Federal Government to review the national minimum wage as
it was long overdue in line with the law.
According to him, government is under obligation to provide a living
national minimum wage and ensure that condition of work is humane.
He said that government must ensure that the health, safety and welfare of
all persons in employment were safeguarded and not endangered or abuse.