Wabba Eulogises Buhari as Champion of the Poor, Vulnerable 

Nigeria’s former President Muhammadu Buhari has been eulogized by Ayuba Wabba, immediate past President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), as a champion of the poor and vulnerable.

Wabba described Buhari’s death as a monumental loss to Nigerian workers and the masses, highlighting his empathy and economic policies that benefited the downtrodden.

Buhari’s leadership was marked by significant decisions that impacted the lives of Nigerians. One notable example was his approval of a $2.1 billion bailout package in 2015 to help states clear salary and pension arrears.

This move demonstrated his commitment to workers’ welfare, as he was deeply moved by the hardship faced by workers.

During national minimum wage negotiations, Buhari proposed a figure higher than the N30,000 eventually agreed upon, showing his dedication to improving workers’ lives.

However, the resistance from state governors prevented a more generous outcome.

One of Buhari’s most notable policies was his refusal to remove the petrol subsidy, despite pressure from international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.

This decision was seen as a pro-poor move, aimed at protecting ordinary Nigerians from price hikes.

Wabba praised Buhari’s impact on the lives of workers, pensioners, and the poor, saying, “He made a difference where it mattered most.” He prayed for Buhari’s soul to be at peace and extended condolences to the Buhari family.

While opinions about Buhari’s presidency are divided, with some critics arguing that his policies were ineffective in addressing the country’s economic challenges, Wabba’s tribute highlights the former president’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the poor.