The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Kwara has described the demise of former President Shehu Shagari as a saddest moment in Africa, due to his belief in oneness of the continent.
The state Chairman of IPAC, Comrade Abdulkareem Onagun, who stated this on Monday in Ilorin, urged the Federal Government to hasten process of immortalising the late former president.
Onagun said Shagari exhibited the virtues required of a complete democrat during his tenure, notwithstanding the paraphernalia of office he occupied.
The IPAC chief, who also is the state Chairman of Labour Party, explained that Shagari’s reign was synonymous with housing scheme, which he said was initiated to address shelter deficit in the country.
He noted that the Shagari-led administration also implemented salary increase for workers.
He appealed to the government to expedite processes on the final agreement with the organised labour on the new minimum wage to avert industrial action.
“We want to register our condolence to the Nigeria government and of course, the immediate family of the former President, who happened to be a teacher and, in fact, a gentleman.
“We realise that during his time, one can actually describe him as a full democrat.
“We want to appeal to the Federal Government that his name should be further immortalised soon because he was a man that paid attention to the welfare of workers.
“While in power, he raised the minimum wage.
“It is on this note that I want to appeal to the Federal Government to hasten action on the implementation of final agreement on the new minimum wage for workers.
“By the time this is approved, it will enhance development of the country.
“The government should implement it as a surprise package to workers and to avert the impending Jan. 8, 2019 industrial action of the organised labour,” Onagun said.
IPAC also called on the government to end the strike embarked upon by Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) for students to return to the campuses in pursuit of their academic endeavours. (NAN)
