Amid ongoing negotiations between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government over minimum wage and electricity tariffs, Pastor Josiah Obiechina, a former 1998 presidential aspirant of the defunct Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), has advised President Bola Tinubu not to approve an excessive minimum wage increase that could significantly heighten inflation in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Pastor Obiechina warned that a substantial increase in minimum wage would lead to runaway inflation and an economic meltdown that could be unbearable for the masses.
“Minimum wage, if approved by the federal government, will create runaway inflation in Nigeria. The volume of cash that will be chasing few goods like essential commodities will be 70-30 percent, which shall result in runaway inflation and a possible economic meltdown,” the statement read.
Additionally, Pastor Obiechina urged President Tinubu to ensure the development of massive housing units to benefit the masses, who hold significant voting power during elections.
“The housing policy of the federal government should reflect positively on the citizenry, especially the adult suffrage, who are the springboard to power,” he stated.
Furthermore, Pastor Obiechina appealed to President Tinubu to award posthumous national honors to the late MD Yusuf, Barrister Tunji Braithwaite, and himself, recognizing their contributions as pioneer members of the GDM.
“It is noteworthy to recognize national heroes by the federal government of Nigeria, both those living and posthumously, as a point of motivation to others. I pray, therefore, that Alhaji Muhammadu Dikko (MD Yusuf), Barrister Tunji Braithwaite, and Pastor Josiah Obiechina be recognized and rewarded with national honors,” he added.
Pastor Obiechina recalled how the late Braithwaite, a human rights activist, and the late MD Yusuf, a retired Inspector General of Police, fought non-violently for democratic transformation from the late General Sani Abacha and other military administrations, leading to the 1999 electoral year that saw the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) come to power.
