Tinubu has shown he cares about workers with ₦70,000 allowance — Oshiomhole
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, asserted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to improving worker welfare, as evidenced by the Federal Government’s recent approval of a ₦70,000 monthly transportation allowance for employees.
Oshiomhole made his comments during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Thursday, where he defended the current administration’s record and encouraged Nigerians to recognize its initiatives.
“This government is making strides. A worker receiving ₦70,000 who then receives an additional ₦70,000 is seeing a 100 percent increase. When you consider the significance of ₦10,000 for everyday people, it’s clear that Tinubu has demonstrated genuine concern,” Oshiomhole stated.
The government’s approval of the ₦70,000 transport subsidy is set to begin in November 2023 and will last for six months. This decision followed discussions with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on October 27. The agreement also includes provisions for the disbursement of outstanding peculiar allowances in three equal monthly payments beginning in November.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has criticized the transport allowance, arguing that workers need enduring salary increases rather than temporary assistance.
Oshiomhole also took the opportunity to critique the previous administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, under which Atiku Abubakar served as vice-president, claiming it failed to ensure timely payment of workers’ salaries.
Looking ahead to the 2027 presidential election, Oshiomhole argued that Nigerians will have a choice between Tinubu, whom he praised for efforts to unify the exchange rate, and Atiku, whom he accused of permitting multiple exchange rates that disproportionately benefit individuals with connections.
Furthermore, Oshiomhole questioned the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, for not offering a viable alternative to Tinubu’s policies. “Peter Obi has not presented any alternatives. I believe he represents a short-term thinking approach suitable for a trader, while Tinubu embodies the perspective of a statesman focused on future generations,” Oshiomhole remarked.
While he acknowledged the right of opposition candidates to pursue the presidency, Oshiomhole argued that it is essential for Tinubu to continue his work after overcoming initial challenges, rather than “recruiting a new apprentice.”
