TUC calls for sensible use of N500bn Paris Club refund

In apparent bid to forestall misappropriation, Trade Union Congress (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to tie the N500 billion London-Paris Club refund.

Citing the fear of any misuse of the fund for its calling, TUC called on FG to pump the fund into state governments to “projects to avoid a repeat of what happened when the first tranche of N388 billion was released in December last year. We are afraid the governors might come cap-in-hand for another round in no distant time if the necessary things are not put in place.”

In a statement by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Comrade (Barr.) Musa-Lawal Ozidi, the union stated that “One could infer from the fore-goings that the President to some extent profoundly meant well but some people are determined to frustrate his effort. One would have expected that when the first tranche of money was released, salaries and pensioners would have been paid. We had expected that some meaningful projects would have been embarked upon; instead (they) the governors rolled out their drums to receive the billions for personal aggrandizement. This is not the way to go in an era of change.

“We need not bore you with the numerous cases of suicides and suicide attempts so far recorded this year alone. Workers have become unable to feed their families, pay rents and school fees, let alone provide clothing. A countless times the president assured us that his government has the welfare of Nigerian sat heart but in reality it appears not to be so.

If governors make judicious use of the monies at their disposal we can be rest assured that recession will soon be of mere historical significance only.”

In addition, the union noted that “It is therefore expedient the president recognizes the absolute fact that the citizens of this country voted for him because of his pedigree. They voted because they trusted and believed that his administration would be just, prudent, accountable and lead with the fear of God. The cooperation we anticipated is not there as the centre appears to be going one way while the lawmakers and the judiciary are also going separate ways. As it stands, our fate appears to be hanging on a balance.

“We are not against government disbursing any money; what we are rather saying is that the Federal Government should attach the money to projects. Salaries and pensions must be paid till date and in full. We will be disappointed again if we do otherwise. This time we must get our acts right. “