Date: September 4, 2024
Subject: Response to Abdulaziz Abdulaziz’s Denial
We maintain our position despite recent denials from Mr. Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Print Media. Abdulaziz has claimed: “I attended both meetings President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had with Labour leaders on the minimum wage. At neither meeting was an offer made in exchange for a fuel price hike. Ajaero is once again playing dirty politics with Nigerians’ emotions.”
Abdulaziz’s denial is puzzling and raises questions about his grasp of the facts or his memory. His attempt to downplay the issue and discredit Comrade Joe Ajaero by accusing him of playing “dirty politics” does not change the reality of the situation.
We stand by our original statement. If Abdulaziz was indeed present at those meetings, he should have the integrity to confirm whether the President proposed a choice between accepting the wage increase or an amount of N62,000. Labour leaders chose to deliberate outside the Villa and ultimately rejected the offer upon their return.
Abdulaziz’s remarks seem to underestimate the awareness and intelligence of Nigerians, who are fully aware of the harsh realities they face due to current government policies. We remind Abdulaziz and his associates that Nigerians deserve a dignified life free from oppression and deprivation.
True power lies with the people, not with those who wield government authority. We are also mindful that falsehoods cannot endure indefinitely.
Benson Upah
Head of Information and Public Affairs, NLC
