The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Kano State chapter, has called on the Commissioner for Finance, Prof Kabiru Dandago, not to undermine the collective power of workers.
This was contained in a statement signed by the NLC Chairman, Kabiru Minjibir and made available to newsmen in Kano, recently.
Minjibir was responding to a statement credited to the Commissioner in an interview with the media in which he allegedly described the Labour as a ‘Mere NGO’, when the workers called for the judicious use of the over N10 billion Paris Club Fund.
The NLC Chairman said “we never expected such a derogatory and dishonorable statement on the labour from an Honourable and a learned person who by his position is the Chief Financial Adviser to the Governor.
He said the call by the NLC was to exercise legitimate functions as a check and balance institution in a democratic dispensation as backed by extant Labour laws.
“The outrage expressed by the Commissioner in his regard, which we consider as using a hammer to kill an ant is most regrettable”.
The NLC also called on Dandago to desist from making further provocative and unsolicited comments that would endanger the good relationship between the labour and the government.
Minjibir also reiterated their call on the Governor to remain steadfast in his positive disposition towards the general welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.
He emphasised the need for the government to set aside a substantial amount of the Paris Club Fund for the settlement of the outstanding entitlements of worker and pensioners.