Edo state governor Adams Oshiomhole is skilled in the art of using one stone to kill two birds- in this case, using a fora to address multiple issues.
At a conference of Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) on Tuesday, in Abuja, Oshiomhole spoke on the arrest of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and the intention of state governors to reduce minimum wage.
On the minimum wage, Oshiomhole said no governor can justify why they wouldn’t pay the N18,00 minimum wage.
The governor vowed to stand by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), in the fight against minimum wage reduction.
“I have told my fellow governors that when the going gets tough, everybody will answer his father’s name. I am not and I will not support any government, any governor, federal or state that misunderstood the problem to focus on the weakest link.
“Be assured that you can count on me. If you want to organize protest, I will join. I will not only join to protest against refusal to pay minimum wage, but to press for the idea of minimum wage to be sustained.”
He also justified the refusal of the Federal Government to allow ex-National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to travel out of the country on health ground.
Speaking on Dasuki, the governor said he should not be allowed to travel abroad for treatment, because Nigeria has many competent medical doctors who can attend to anyone that has health challenges.
“Competent medical doctors are available in the country, yet a man is facing treason charges, huge corruption charges and Judges are granting permission for him to travel overseas.
“In this democracy, which we said we are supporting unconditionally, it says clearly that there will be separation of powers between the executive, legislature and the judiciary.
“Just last week, the big man was accused of spending about $2 billion, even at a time some governors are saying they can’t pay minimum wage. If you divide $2 billion by N200 to the dollar and share to all Nigerian workers, you don’t need wages for the next one year.”
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