Fight corruption, don’t sack workers, NLC tells Buhari

The Punch - Nigeria

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to deal decisively with the problem of corruption in the country.Labour Congress has called on the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari, to deal decisively with the problem of corruption in the country.
The President of the NLC, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, said in a statement on the agenda of the NLC for the President-elect on Thursday that decisive steps should be taken against the scourge of corruption for the sake of the survival of the country.
Wabba also called for a review of the nation’s foreign policy to refocus it more on the country and her relationship with her neighbours.
He also urged the incoming President to emphasise the place of reciprocity in the projection of the country and the protection of her citizens.
The NLC President also canvassed a drastic reduction of the cost of governance in the country which he said was unacceptable.
He said the high cost of governance could be rectified not by workers’ rationalisation but through fighting corruption and removal of waste in the system.
Wabba added, “On foreign policy, in light of new realities, we canvass the introduction of Nigeria-centered policy with a focus on the strengthening of relations in all departments with our neighbours.
“We similarly canvass the doctrine of proportionate response in pursuit of projection of national power and protection of citizenry.
“Corruption remains a national cancer that must be dealt with for the sake of national survival.
“Similarly, the cost of governance at all levels, including the legislature, is very high and morally reprehensible and must be brought down, not through rationalisation of personnel (as personnel emoluments constitute an insignificant fraction of cost of governance) but through wiping off of corruption and reduction of waste in the system.”