Dr Kabir Tsanni, National President, Radio, Television Theater and Arts Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU) has called on various government to give social security to citizens to cushion the impact of Coronavirus(COVID-19) pandemic.
Tsanni made the call while addressing Central Working Committee(CWC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of RATTAWU on Tuesday in Asaba, Delta.
He said that the time has come to change the economic blueprint of the country, adding that borrowing to finance consumables of the rich and privileged class was unacceptable.
According to him, the International Labor Organization (ILO) has argued that countries should invest for the future.
“However, in Nigeria, we are reversing the norm. Again, it concerns me that the Post-COVID-19 recovery plan is not anchored on a well defined homework; this has a negative implication on wage workers.
“It is in this connection that we are calling on government at all levels to find ways of giving social security to citizens as a form of Post -COVID-19 recovery package”.
While lauding the Delta on its well articulated programmes on agriculture and entrepreneurship, Tsanni said there was no doubt that micro-economy is the bedrock of any meaningful form of development.
“I applaud the Delta Government for implementing the new minimum wage; it is my hope that other forms of welfare will be extended to wage workers in the state.
“Delta should not be a victim of the proverbal man who stand by the side of the river, yet washes his hands with spittle.
“You cannot be producing oil and not refining to harness the opportunities associated with it; If Dangote can be licensed to refine crude oil, then there is no reason whatsoever that the state government cannot be licensed.
“In addition, Federal Government’s initiative on modular refinery is what can
be used to enhance economic of the people of Delta and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented by Mr Churchill Oyowe, a Director in the ministry, said RATTAWU remains a dependable partner in the media industry.
According to Aniagwu, the state government is committed to the welfare of the workforce as this was devastated in the payment of the new minimum wage to workers.
He said that the state broadcasting stations had been equipped and repositioned for efficiency with trained staff to ensure content.
He said that RATTAWU should ensure regular training of members, adding that the state government would always support the media industry to thrive.
Also, the Mr Lawrence Ejiorfor, State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, represented by Mr Friday Anazia, director in the ministry while declaring the occasion open, urged RATTAWU to ensure unity of the body.
Mr Goodluck Ofoburuku, State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress among other unionists were on ground to felicitate with the RATTAWU.