The chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU), University of Ilorin branch, Dr Alex Akanmu, on Wednesday urged Nigerians to remain undaunted and not lose hope in having a great country, despite the challenges facing them.
Akanmu made the call in his message on the commemoration of the 2024 Workers Day.
He, however called on the government to expeditiously do the needful in salvaging the nation’s comatose economy.
“Inspite of all these, our hope in a great country in undaunted and we call on all not to lose hope. It is however instructive to take the advantage of a day such as this to call on the government to do the needful in saving the failing economy.
“This year worker’s day came with lots of sober reflections. The day ordinarily is meant to be for jubilation and rejuvenation of commitments to wanting to do more, but morale is low and the hitherto unwavering dedication is gradually being eroded.
“The challenges being faced by the Nigeria workers and by extension, the Nigeria masses are enormous and quite disturbing. Starting from unguided removal of subsidy, ridiculous take home package, agitations for living wages now catched up with astronomical inflation rate, cost of goods and services that has become unpredictable daily and, basic amenities which are now far from the reach of common man,” he added.
The ASUU chairman noted that the rhetorics of renewed hope is becoming unfascinating, adding that: “Government and in particular, President Bola Tinubu must be told that things are not okay any longer in this country.
“The hike in electricity tarrif and fuel crisis that greeted the week has caused many homes serious pains and economic hardship. It is also the week of paying school fees for parents and all have become debtors with no assurance of repayment. You can be sure of no food in many homes this morning.
“This situation calls for immediate attention. The situation is better described as timed bomb and sitting on a keg of gun powder. We call on the government to address these issues without further delay. The speculated salary increase for civil servants are no longer in tandem with current realities,” the union leader said.
Akanmu saluted the courage and patriotism of the Nigerian workers in nation building .
“While greedy politicians go home with commonwealth and even preparing in advance for their children, our salaries are perpetually subjected to debate with no encouraging outcomes. One thing is certain, in our unity, we shall overcome,” he noted.
