By Ikechukwu Okaforadi
The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan has called for a speedy and amicable resolution of the ongoing negotiation between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the federal government, to ensure that universities are opened for research and learning.
In a best wish message to Nigerian workers on the 2022 May Day celebration, which was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ola Awonoyi, Lawan commended the workers for their immense contributions to the development of the nation.
“Nigerian workers deserve our appreciations and respects for their contributions to the development of our country.
“I also salute them for their patriotic cooperation with the government and and other institutions in the collective efforts to address societal challenges.
“There is no gainsaying the fact that Labour creates wealth for the nation, the more reason that the welfare of the Nigerian workers should always be accorded priority”, Lawan said.
He also vowed that the National Assembly will continue to give priority to legislations that better the lots of the workers, saying “As Parliament, the National Assembly will continue to partner with the Organised Labour in addressing issues that affect workers and the generality of the Nigerian people.
“Despite the prevailing challenges, the relationship between Labour and the Government should be cooperative in the overall interest of the country.
“In the spirit of May Day, I appeal for a speedy and amicable resolution of the ongoing negotiations between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) to ensure that our universities reopen for learning and research.
“We should always be mindful that no society can make meaningful progress without industrial peace and harmony.
“Once again, I say congratulations to all Nigerian workers and wish them a happy May Day,”.
In a related development, the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege, in his goodwill message to Nigerian workers, felicitated with Nigerian workers on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day.
In his message to Nigerian workers signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, Omo-Agege applauded them for their hard work, diligence and sacrifice.
He noted that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria now commands in the comity of nations.