ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi has promised to increase the minimum wage and prioritize production over consumption.
The former Governor of Anambra State made the promise during a campaign rally in Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, saying the current minimum wage is unstainable.
The presidential candidate also promised to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Company if elected president next year.
Obi promised to ensure that the steel industry is revived to give strong backing to the economy.
He said: “The steel industry is very important to the development of the economy. As soon as we are sworn in, we will work with professionals and experts who know what to do with the Ajaokuta steel company.
“We will make sure that production starts at the local level. We will increase the minimum wage since the current minimum wage can hardly sustain workers. We should be able to produce enough for consumption and even export to create wealth.
“It is a promise, and I and my team are prepared to be held accountable for that. We want to make sure that we would remove Nigeria from consumption to production.
“When the TUC former president was talking to you, he told you about minimum wage. We will ensure that those who are being owed, we would work with state and local governments to clear their outstanding.”
While addressing the supporters and party faithful, Obi added: “Good people of Kogi state, we are not here to buy your vote. We are here to tell you how we are going to save the country. We want to unite Nigeria. We want to bring the family back together. We want to bring back the rule of law.
“We will consult you before taking any decision on any matter that affects you because power belongs to you.”
The LP’s presidential candidate urged the people to reject other parties at the polls even if they brought money to buy their votes.
He continued: “I Just arrived in Lokoja for the Kogi rally, and to a warm welcome. Thanks to the people of Kogi for your warm hospitality. Kogi is a land of agricultural production; it is part of our plan on moving Nigeria from consumption to production.”
He said if elected, his government will tackle insecurity in the country.
“What we are going to do: the number one job is to secure Nigeria. We want to make Nigeria safe. We want to be able to unite Nigeria,” the Obi added.
While lamenting the disunity in the country, Obi plans to change the narrative.
According to him, “Nigerians today are not living as a family. We want to bring the family back and secure Nigeria,” Obi promised also to ensure the rule of law is maintained in Nigeria.
“We want to make sure that in Nigeria, there is the rule of law; that you are not harassed. Nobody would harass you and do what is wrong to you. If there is anything, we would go by the rule of law.”