The Centre for Crisis Communication has warned that the unresolved issues of the minimum wage, the Kano Emirate dispute, and the political crisis in Rivers State could ignite crises with significant repercussions for national security if not urgently addressed.
Negotiations between the Federal Government and organised labour have stalled, with unions pushing for a minimum wage of N250,000, while the government has proposed N62,000.
In Kano, tensions escalated following the repeal of the 2019 Emirate Council Law on May 23, resulting in the removal of Aminu Ado Bayero and the reinstatement of Sanusi Lamido as Emir.
Meanwhile, Rivers State is gripped by a political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who now serves as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Monday, the Chairman of the centre’s Board of Trustees, Maj. Gen. Christopher Olukolade (retd.), said there was a need for urgent intervention on these issues, particularly the minimum wage, to prevent violent protests similar to that of Kenya.
He said, “We have identified potentially violent or volatile developments in the country which we believe could spark off unnecessary crises with far-reaching consequences for our national security if they are not well managed. And that’s why I want to identify the ones we can pick on, among many others.
“First on that list is the yet-to-be-resolved minimum wage issue that has pitted the labour movement against the Federal Government. We do not subscribe to the idea of sweeping this issue under the carpet.
“We, therefore want to unequivocally call on the government and the organised private sector to summon the required courage to take a decision on this matter, and to meet and resolve it once and for all, rather than to constantly postpone the resolution of this issue.
“So the time to conclude the negotiation that has lasted so long is now, and the earlier it is done, the better. So we strongly suggest that it should be completed. Let’s decide on the nation’s minimum wage as it matters”.
Olukolade also expressed concern over the antics of those calling for the re-enactment of the anti-tax crisis happening in Kenya.
He said, “Those who believe that such destructive protests in Nigeria will be a way to resolving a crisis are rather calling for what is not consistent with our future and desire for a peaceful and progressive nation.
“So we want to caution against such tendencies and advise that the development in Kenya in relation to their protests on tax is not a model for us to adopt in resolving our issues in a democracy and that the situation in Nigeria can be better managed with good consensus, discussions, and the necessary consultations.
“In other words, we are strongly against the idea of making reference to the Kenya-Nigeria civil model. The outcome of the protests is still fresh in our minds and it’s not a thing to re-enact by any other means”.
He said the political feud in Rivers State had tendencies towards a crisis and hence, called on the parties to act in the general interest of the people.
“We are using this opportunity to call on those involved to sheath their swords and relate and when they relate, we believe that this could be solved and there’s no need to plunge that state into crisis.
“We don’t want to see a ripple effect of whatever is going on in terms of the altercations at the moment.”
He added that the emirship tussle presents a huge potential for volatility.
“We do not want it to slide into trouble by reason of the Emirship tussle. We cannot combine that with what’s going on in the rivers state.”
Olukolade also lamented over the prevalence of fake news and hate speech especially on social media and called for deliberate effort to discourage such tendency.
He, therefore, urged the government to communicate more and placate the citizens.
Olukolade said, “Do I think that the security solution is the only solution? I don’t think so. I rather think that more understanding across the system, the government should communicate more.
“The government should communicate honestly and effectively. I think that would be better in de-escalating the tension. Our concern is to de-escalate the tension.”
