The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Gombe State Branch has alleged that Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s remarks on the eve of the nationwide protests against hardship in the country sparked outrage in the state.
It will be recalled that the governor two days to the protest while responding to civil society organisations, non governmental organisations and traders associations’ requests who met him at government house, Gombe to withdraw from the protest said it was not feasible for the state to implement the approved national minimum wage of N70,000 and that he could not ask President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy either.
Our correspondent reports that the protest in the state turned violent leading to destruction of government and private properties in addition to injuring of several security agents.
Our reporter reports that Governor Inuwa’s statements have continued to elicit uproar and reactions from trade unions as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) asked him to resign if he cannot pay the new minimum wage.
Also, the NBA during its extraordinary meeting on the governor’s remarks issued a communique lamenting that the governor’s remarks were inflammatory and urged him to adopt a more moderate tone in his public statements.
According to Benjamin Sati, Esq., chairman of the NBA Gombe Branch, “leadership requires not only making tough decisions but also communicating those decisions with empathy and respect”.
“It has come to our attention that certain remarks made by the governor have led to increased tension and unrest, particularly concerning the decision not to implement the approved minimum wage of NGN70,000 and the threats regarding participation in the just concluded ENDBADGOVERNANCE protest among others.
“We respectfully appeal to His Excellency to adopt a more moderate and considerate tone in public statements.”, he said.
Sati noted that the current climate of unrest poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of Gombe State, and it is crucial that communications from the governor’s office reflect an understanding of the residents’ concerns and a commitment to addressing them constructively.
“It is crucial that communications from the Governor’s office reflect an understanding of the residents’ concerns and a commitment to addressing them constructively.”, the communique reads in parts.
He emphasised the need for the governor to engage in open dialogue with residents, labour unions, and other stakeholders to find amicable solutions to the wage dispute and other pressing issues.
