In a significant move aimed at fostering unity and addressing the mounting economic challenges faced by Nigerians, approximately 170 members of the House of Representatives, under the banner of the “New Dawn Caucus – 10th Assembly,” have appealed to the nation’s youth to cancel their planned nationwide protest.
The call was made during an end-of-first-session dinner held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
In a communiqué released after the dinner, and signed by prominent representatives including Marcus Onobun, Leko Gambo, Jeremiah Umaru, Martins Esin, and Ojema Ojotu, the caucus recognized the right to peaceful protest but urged for dialogue with the Federal Government as a more constructive approach to resolving the current economic hardship.
The communiqué read in part:
“Members of the New Dawn Caucus – 10th Assembly held an end-of-first-session dinner at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Wednesday, 24 July 2024, and resolved as follows: While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, the caucus appeals to Nigerians, particularly the youths, to reconsider the planned hardship protest and instead engage in dialogue with the Federal Government to address the economic challenges faced by the populace.
“The caucus commends both chambers of the National Assembly for the expeditious passage of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act and is pleased with the reduction in the review period for the minimum wage from five to three years. The caucus urges all security chiefs and agencies to take decisive action to curb insecurity in the country.
“The caucus commends the Honourable members of the 10th House for demonstrating empathy by deciding to forgo 50 per cent of their salaries for six months in light of the economic hardships faced by citizens. The caucus passes a vote of confidence in the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, for his sound leadership and proven ability to unite members of the House for the greater good.”
The communiqué highlights the caucus’s commitment to addressing the economic and security challenges in Nigeria through legislative measures and solidarity with the citizens. The reduction in the review period for the minimum wage and the decision by members to forgo half of their salaries for six months are seen as steps towards alleviating the financial burden on the populace.
The New Dawn Caucus also emphasized the importance of leadership and unity in the House of Representatives by expressing strong support for Speaker Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass.
His leadership has been praised for bringing together diverse members of the House to work towards the common good.
