A SPEECH
PRESENTED
BY
THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE,
SENATOR ANYIM PIUS ANYIM, GCON ON
THE OCCASION OF THE MAY DAY CELEBRATION HELD IN
ABUJA ON MAY 1, 2002.
PROTOCOLS.
I feel delighted to be in your midst today as we mark another Workers’ Day.
This year’s event is to salute the courage of the Nigerian workers that has remained very committed and patriotic as the present government continues to rebuild our country, which has been destroyed over the years by the incursion of the military into politics.
On our own part in the Senate, and infact, the National Assembly, we shall ensure that the workers of Nigeria are adequately protected. We shall set in motion mechanism to review the issue of casualisation of workers. The National Assembly is also planning to legislate for the improvement of the welfare of workers.
At this juncture, let me inform you that we cannot do all these things alone. We have to work hand-in-hand with the leadership of the workers Union. We shall be ready to receive memoranda from you on any issue that can better the lots of workers.
In line with the principle of participatory democracy, I advise labour to initiate bills and send to the National Assembly. They will be fine-tuned and given all the necessary urgent attention. It is also important to mention here and now that all Nigerians should take advantage of the Public Hearings which are usually organized by the National Assembly as part of our effort to involve everybody in the process of law-making. You are free to send in your submissions during any Public Hearing. With your contributions, we shall be guided and know some area that might have remained strange to us. It would also afford us the opportunity of tapping from your well of experiences for the collective benefit of all Nigerians.
As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, I wish to implore you to remain peaceful at all times and always seek dialogue in your agitations for better conditions of service. With this, the nation shall be more focused and know the best way of alleviating the sufferings of our people.
I wish to also reassure you that we remain your partners in progress as we struggle together to move Nigeria forward.
Thank you all and God bless.