Presidency reacts as protesters demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release, N250k minimum wage
The Presidency has addressed some key demands from the nationwide protesters.
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In a Sunday night tweet by the Special Adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the presidency gave reasons why some of the demands cannot be met.
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Protesters are calling for the abolition of the Senate and for making the House of Representatives a part-time institution.
The Presidency responded that constitutional amendments require a rigorous process, not a simple presidential proclamation.
The process involves support from two-thirds of all National Assembly members, approval by two-thirds of the State Houses of Assembly, first and second readings, public hearings, third reading, harmonization between the Senate and House of Representatives, transmission to State Houses of Assembly, and adoption of the report from the State Houses of Assembly.
Another demand from the protesters was to pay Nigerian workers a minimum wage of at least N250,000 monthly.
Onanuga explained that the minimum wage is determined by the economy’s capacity and involves both the federal government and the private sector.
He highlighted the recent increase in the minimum wage to N70,000, which was applauded by the Nigerian Labour Congress.
Protesters also demanded the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the demilitarization of the South East, as well as the release and compensation of all ENDSARS and political detainees.
The Presidency stated that Nnamdi Kanu is standing trial for treason, and it would be an affront to the judicial system for the government to terminate the court cases by fiat.
Even if his release is to be considered, there are steps that must be taken.
Additionally, the protesters called for investments in education and grants instead of loans for Nigerian students, along with free and compulsory education for children across Nigeria.
Onanuga said that the Federal Government is already implementing policies to overhaul the education sector, including the recently established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Students Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act, 2024.
Also the protesters demanded the rationalization of publicly owned enterprises sold to government officials and cronies.
Onanuga mentioned that the government is reviewing privatization processes and agreements, but it will take time to address these issues due to existing contractual agreements with buyers.
Furthermore, protesters demanded the scrapping of the 1999 constitution and its replacement with a people-made Constitution for the Federal Republic of Nigeria through a sovereign National Conference followed by a National Referendum.
In response, Onanuga reiterated that constitutional amendments are not enacted by presidential fiat but must follow a stringent process, including support from four-fifths of National Assembly members, approval by two-thirds of State Houses of Assembly, first and second readings, public hearings, third reading, harmonization between the Senate and House of Representatives, transmission to State Houses of Assembly, and adoption of the report from the State Houses of Assembly.
