Delta State workers expressed their discontent towards Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Wednesday for his failure to address the issue of minimum wage during a public event. Despite their anticipation for an announcement regarding the new minimum wage, the workers became frustrated when the governor concluded his speech without mentioning it. In response to the workers’ dissatisfaction, they interrupted the governor with chants demanding payment of the minimum wage, to which Oborevwori firmly stated that they couldn’t coerce him into compliance.
The May Day celebration in 2024, themed “People First,” turned into a lively event in Delta State, featuring a parade by various affiliated unions. However, the governor’s address in Asaba was disrupted by the workers’ noise, reflecting their disappointment over his silence on the minimum wage issue. According to a union leader, previous attempts to discuss the matter with the governor had been unsuccessful.
Governor Oborevwori announced plans to establish a committee to address workers’ demands for salary increases due to the prevailing economic hardship. He praised the workers for their support and emphasized his administration’s commitment to their welfare. He acknowledged the inadvertent omission of some workers from promotion arrears payments and promised to address the issue.
Comrade Goodluck Ofobruku, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), emphasized the importance of politicians keeping their promises, stressing that workers keep track of such commitments.