Human rights activist Somi Uranta has criticised the federal government’s handling of workers’ demands, describing it as a “fire-brigade approach” that could threaten national stability.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS on Saturday, Uranta said, “It’s annoying, I must say, the way government officials handle issues of this nature. In most instances… the people concerned will wait until the 21-day ultimatum has elapsed before they start to act on it. So you ask, what are they doing?
“What is so important than taking care of the basic things? Government should stop this fire-brigade approach… When issues come up, you treat it. What happens to proactiveness in governance? You don’t wait until the thing happens, then you now react… It does not speak well of us as people that are serious-minded.”
He lamented that officials consistently neglect proactive engagement with unions, noting: “In most instances… the people concerned will wait until the 21-day ultimatum is elapsed before they start to act on it. So you ask, what are they doing? What is so important than taking care of the basic things?”
On the controversy surrounding PENCOM funds, Uranta cautioned that the government’s actions are eroding confidence. “There is actually a trust deficit in the system. Each time people in government come out, most of the times, they say, ‘this is a rumour.’ Later, they admit it.”
He further stressed the risks of tampering with pension contributions: “It’s very, very risky to play with their lives, because it could spread doom for the entire nation.”
Uranta also highlighted the importance of technical education as a long-term solution to Nigeria’s economic challenges. “If we train our skilled men very well… we could be exporting skilled manpower as a source of revenue generation for Nigeria.”
Calling for urgent intervention, he urged: “The Minister for Education should act now. Because if he doesn’t act and do the right thing, this whole thing will fall on our faces. The strike will commence.”
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