ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Synod of Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Archbishop Leonard Kawas, has intervened in the minimum wage crisis between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Organised Labour, calling for dialogue and negotiation.
The charismatic bishops urged the NLC to continue engaging the government, avoiding strikes that may worsen inflation and hardship.
In a statement to newsmen in Kaduna on Tuesday after its conference in Abuja about a fortnight ago, the President General of CBCN, Archbishop Kawas pleaded with the government to consider the economic conditions and negotiate with labour.
“The Synod also wade into the crisis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government and pleaded with the federal government to dialogue with the Labour and be considerate of the present condition of the economy.
“The Synod also called upon the NLC not to shut down the country, but to continue with the negotiation to avoid more inflation and more hardship.
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“NLC should not shut down the country in the name of strike, but continue with negotiation, and pray that there will be a resolution between the Labour and the federal government.
“But with all seriousness, any attempt to shut down the whole country, there will be great losses the nation is going to lose,” the statement noted.
The bishops believe fervent prayers will help Nigeria overcome its socio-economic challenges.
They emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution, warning that a strike could lead to greater losses for the nation. Instead, they encouraged continued negotiation to achieve a mutually beneficial solution.
At their conference in Abuja, the bishops hosted prominent dignitaries, including the First Lady and the Chief of Defence Staff, who received meritorious service awards.
The event saw over 500 charismatic bishops from 21 countries gathered in unity, praying for Nigeria’s progress.
Archbishop Kawas was elevated to President General, a title change approved by the Synod to reflect the conference’s growth.
The charismatic bishops left the conference with joy, thanking God for the successful event. They expressed hope that their intervention would contribute to a peaceful resolution of the minimum wage crisis, leading to a better future for all Nigerians.
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“With the fact that the Synod is celebrating its 10th anniversary which witnessed the participation of Nigerians from 21 countries, which has never happened before, the synod resolved to amend the title of their President from National President to President General.
“So Archbishop Kawas was unanimously, after a motion moved and seconded, received the approval of the house of the Synod to go by the title of President General.
“The over 500 Charismatic Bishops that attended the Synod all left with great joy thanking God because many of them were visiting Abuja for the very first time”. The statement concluded.