[Op_Ed] Minimum wage: Governor AbdulRazaq gives Mr Saraki, Impunity FC a smackdown again – By Ibraheem Abdullateef

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has become one of the top ten Nigerian Governors to implement the new minimum wage. On Friday 18th October, 2024, the leadership of the labour unions, including Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiation Council (NJC) agreed to a 70,000 wage for levels 1-6, and the consequential adjustment for relevant salary structures. Most notably, the Governor ordered that the payment commences with immediate effect from this month.

AbdulRazaq’s development initiatives have distinguished him as a leader, demonstrating that he is the most trustworthy, charismatic, and diligent governor for the people. Stakeholders and thoughtful analysts have praised his approach. Rather than whining and complaining, the Governor collaborated with labour leaders to ensure compliance with the new minimum wage law. With this approval, he sets a new record as the fastest, and first-ever Kwara Governor to fully implement minimum wage twice in office.

In contrast, both Mr. Bukola Saraki and Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, who preceded the current governor, only managed to implement N7,500, while Dr. Ahmed haphazardly paid the N18,000, much to the dismay of labour leaders. Additionally, the PDP-led administrations left behind years of unpaid pensions, promotions, and salary arrears.

Nevertheless, Mr. Saraki’s followers, particularly from the now- wobbling PDP, also known as the Impunity FC in Kwara, have relentlessly attacked Governor AbdulRazaq with fake news to distract and mislead the public on their journey towards a better future.

Among the principal purveyors of misinformation is Bashir Ashura, who is responsible for promoting false narratives authored by a certain Suleiman Agbabiaka, who remains anonymous and lacks credibility. Another figure is Sholyment Olusegun Adewara, the Public Relations Officer of the party, who appeared on radio as recently as Thursday, alleging that the Governor was unwilling and uncooperative with the minimum wage committee. This claim effectively endorsed the false stories propagated by his associates, which suggested that the Governor had dissolved the minimum wage committee and that its implementation was not evident in Kwara. The approval, which came just 24 hours after the chaotic broadcast, revealed these individuals as purveyors of fake news and obstacles to the progress of the state. They were not only politicizing important issues but also fabricating false narratives intended to incite panic among the public. This behaviour is arguably more dastardly and damaging than simply defaming the government.

One just wonder the extent Mr. Bukola Saraki who was caught on video giving a charge to hirelings like Ashura, Sholyment, Agbabiaka to dwell in propaganda and lies during the last general elections, would go to encourage and sponsor blackmail to sully the image of the Governor and especially the state before the public.

With the recent developments, it is evident that they have brought public ridicule upon themselves rather than Governor AbdulRazaq, who is now being celebrated as a true hero of the 21st century in Kwara.

This situation presents another opportunity for the public to interpret the anger and dissent among Mr. Saraki’s supporters as irrational hostility rooted in a corrupt desire for control, rather than genuine concern for the welfare of the people and the development of the state.

Furthermore, it contradicts Mr. Saraki’s outrageous claims that Kwara is not making progress. We are witnessing another milestone for the state following the O’to ge revolution. While we don’t expect the Impunity FC to be pleased about this progress, they should at least have the decency to refrain from spreading falsehoods.

Like in both the 2019 and 2023 elections, AbdulRazaq has attained victory for the people of Kwara State on the new minimum wage, sparking celebration across the state. A new victory for Kwara, another smackdown for Saraki and the Impunity FC.

• Abdullateef is the Senior Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on Communications