Audu Ogwunenwa Jos.
Deputy Speaker House of Representative Ahmed Idris Wase says allowing the voice of minority opinion triumph without being challenged by opinion of the vast majority accords such minority views value.
The Deputy Speaker stated this in Jos while playing host to the Plateau state Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) at his residence in Jos during the Easter break.
The Deputy Speaker while responding to the appeal by the Union for support and advocacy towards the discontinuation of proceedings on the bill seeking the delisting of local Governments, Removal of Minimum wage from the Exclusive to the Concurrent List and the granting of Local Government Autonomy during the forthcoming Constitution amendment, noted that the National Assembly’s doors are open to all opinions, pointing out that the popularity of the position of those favorably disposed to the delisting of local Governments and movement of the minimum wage are entitled to their views and if left unchallenged by voices against it will give it impetus and smooth sailing.
Wase tasked the union leadership to galvanize support from all its members across the nation towards making its voice and opinion heard on its position about these contending issues.
He appreciated the Union for realizing the place of lobbying in a democratic setting and assured them of the National Assembly’s readiness of deliberating and passing bills that are peoples oriented and has potential of invoking national growth and development.
On the Constitutional amendment and the demand for Local Government Autonomy, the House of Representatives number two man noted that as chairman of the House Constitutional amendment committee, Wase said work has begun in earnest, preparatory towards the exercise.
He called on the labour leaders to ensure they do their own part of the bargain by creating the needed awareness .
The Deputy Speaker charged the union leadership to be faithful and steadfast in its sworn mandate of improving the welfare of members, stressing that the price of leadership is always bearing the pains and burdens of followers which requires patience, tolerance and understanding as virtues.
He also appealed the leadership of union to close ranks with government towards the peaceful and amicable resolution of issues.
Earlier, The State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) Yohanna Arondong Makwin while disclosing their mission to the Deputy speaker, commiserated with the Deputy Speaker on the sudden demise of the member representing Jos North/Bassa Federal constituency at the National Assembly Haruna Maitala who died recently in a ghastly motor accident.
Arondong eulogized the sterling leadership quality of the Deputy Speaker for making positive impact on the lives of his constituents through various empowerment programs.
He also Commended Wase for sponsoring very significant bills such as, the bill for the establishment of Federal Medical Centre Wase and bill for the amendment of the Orthopedic Hospital Management Board to provide for the establishment of Orthopedic Hospital Jos among other valuable contributions on the floor of the hallowed chamber.
The NULGE President said their visit on the Deputy Speaker became imperative in view of the critical nature of the two anti people bills which are against productivity, growth and development stressing that local governments are integral components of states and as well has the responsibility of playing host to a larger percentage of the nation’s population.
He added that granting of Local Government autonomy is therefore a significant yardstick for the achievement of it’s statutory mandate.
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