Abia State, Nigeria – August 18th, 2024 – The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy, and Development (FENRAD), a prominent human and environmental rights advocacy group based in Abia State, has issued a strong appeal to Governor Alex Otti regarding the ongoing salary deductions from state workers’ pay. The organization has called for the immediate implementation of the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which they argue has been unjustly neglected by the state government, despite its legality and importance.
The Issue of Salary Deductions and the New Tax Law
The recent migration to a new tax law, introduced in 2021/2022, has resulted in significant deductions from the salaries of Abia State workers. While FENRAD acknowledges that these deductions may be in line with the new tax law, the organization condemns the state government’s failure to implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which mandates a minimum wage of ₦30,000 for workers at various salary levels. This law, signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, has been the law of the land for five years, yet it remains unenforced in Abia State.
FENRAD’s statement raises a critical question: If the state government has not implemented the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, how can it be expected to comply with the newly proposed minimum wage of ₦70,000? This discrepancy has left many workers in Abia State feeling frustrated and neglected, as they continue to struggle with stagnant wages despite the rising cost of living.
Governor Otti’s Response: A Controversial Stand
During a recent monthly media chat at the Government House in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti addressed the issue of salary deductions, offering an explanation that has only added to the controversy. He was quoted as saying, “A lot of people who felt their salaries were being reduced, when we investigated those complaints, we found that what actually happened was that before now an old tax rate was being applied…. So, at what point would somebody deduct the salaries, and if you deduct, where do you take it to?”
This statement suggests that the governor is aware of the new tax law and its implications for workers’ salaries. However, it also raises concerns about the governor’s priorities. FENRAD argues that while the implementation of the new tax law is important, it should not take precedence over the enforcement of the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, which directly impacts the livelihoods of thousands of state workers.
Selective Implementation of Laws: A Troubling Trend
FENRAD’s criticism extends beyond the issue of salary deductions and tax law. The organization points out that the selective implementation of laws is a troubling trend that undermines the rule of law and erodes public trust in government institutions. By failing to implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act, while simultaneously enforcing the 2021/2022 tax law, the state government is sending a message that some laws are more important than others—a stance that FENRAD firmly rejects.
The organization also raises concerns about the potential legal implications of this selective enforcement. Workers in Abia State have been deprived of their rightful salaries for years, and FENRAD questions what, if any, compensation they will receive for this injustice. The organization asserts that the government’s failure to implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act is not only unlawful but also morally indefensible.
FENRAD’s Call to Action: Implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act Now
In light of these concerns, FENRAD is calling on Governor Alex Otti to take immediate action to rectify this situation. The organization urges the governor to implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act without further delay, while also working out the modalities of the current tax law. This, they argue, is a matter of both legal obligation and moral responsibility.
“There is no justification for the non-implementation of the 2019 Act; none, whatsoever,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, in the organization’s statement. He emphasized that the failure to enforce the Minimum Wage Act has caused significant hardship for workers in Abia State, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet in the face of rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
FENRAD’s appeal is not just a call for compliance with the law, but also a plea for fairness and justice. The organization believes that the state government has a duty to protect the rights and welfare of its workers, and that this duty must take precedence over any other considerations.
The Broader Implications: A Test of Leadership
The ongoing salary deductions and the failure to implement the 2019 Minimum Wage Act have broader implications for Governor Alex Otti’s administration. As the leader of Abia State, Governor Otti is being tested on his commitment to the rule of law, transparency, and accountability. His response to this issue will likely shape public perceptions of his leadership and could have significant political ramifications.
FENRAD’s call to action is a reminder that the success of any government depends on its ability to uphold the law and protect the rights of its citizens. As the state government moves forward with its plans to implement the new tax law, it must also address the outstanding issue of the 2019 Minimum Wage Act. Failure to do so could undermine public trust and confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively and fairly.
Conclusion: A Demand for Justice
As the situation unfolds, FENRAD’s demand for the immediate implementation of the 2019 Minimum Wage Act serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and fairness in governance. The organization’s statement is a call to action not just for Governor Otti, but for all leaders who are committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of their citizens.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Governor Otti as he decides how to respond to FENRAD’s appeal. Will he take the necessary steps to ensure that the 2019 Minimum Wage Act is implemented? Or will he continue to prioritize the new tax law at the expense of the workers who have been waiting for years to receive their rightful salaries? The answer to these questions will have far-reaching implications for the future of Abia State and its people.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
