The Youth Party has called on President Bola Tinubu to be serious on addressing the issue of the rising cost of living and the minimum wage as part of democratic goods with the same speed the old National Anthem was reintroduced and passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.

The Party in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, accused the Federal Government of lack of seriousness in its dialogue with labour on the minimum wage issue.

The Party stated that “If the National Assembly can pass the national anthem into law within a short period of time, they should be able to pass the minimum wage act into law without further delay.

The Party urged the Federal Government to appoint credible Nigerians such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Bishop of Sokoto Mathew Hassan Kukah, former President General Yakubu Gowon, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku,
among others to dialogue with labour as people no longer have confidence in the seriousness of the Federal Government delegation.

The Party also faulted the payment of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage by the Federal Government.

The statement reads “Federal Government should not only be concerned about spending N344.85 bn on the National Assembly of less than 500 Nigerian legislators with N180m worth of Jeep for each legislator or N90 billion to subsidize hajj or N15 billion to repair Vice President’s office or recommissioning already commissioned projects like Third Mainland Bride and the Abuja Light Rail but be serious about reducing the burden on Nigerian masses.

The Party stated that it was shocking and disheartening that Federal Government could spend N15 billion to repair Vice President’s office, considering the many important challenges facing our nation.

To cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal, the Youth Party urged the FG and State governments to provide affordable transport by purchasing at least 100 CNG buses in each of the states to enable the people enjoy the dividend of democracy .

The Party urged the President to feel the pulse of Nigerians, and be in touch with their feelings.

“We are celebrating democracy day but, how have we fared as a nation democratically ? Some states have not conducted Local Government elections in over 10 years. Cost of living is beyond the reach of the poor. Minimum wage is not a living wage and the govt is not serious in addressing all these challenges.

“Democracy is government of the people and for the people but is that the case? With a budget of N344.85 bn for the National Assembly ? N19 billion to renovate the residence of the Vice President? Are we serious about democracy at all?

The Party also advised President Tinubu to provide good governance and economically empower the middle class, adding that the challenges facing the country required immediate rebuilding of Nigeria’s economic and socio-political institutions through good governance.

The Party paid tribute to heroes of democracy who lost their lives in the struggle to restore democracy in the country.

“We should also acknowledge the sacrifices of our heroes past particularly the ones that fought for the current democracy: Chief MKO Abiola, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa Alfred Rewane, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Comrade Frank Kokori, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu, Wole Soyinka, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Senator Abraham Adesanya, Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ayo Obe, Joe Okei-Odumakin, Kunle Ajibade, Col. Abubakar Umar, Senator Olaniyi Durojaiye, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele, Chief Ralph Obioha, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi, Dr.(Senator) Wahab Dosunmu, Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeoke, Gov. Uba Sani and many others. Whilst, democracy has not delivered the democratic goods, we are comforted that the era of changing government by military method and “fellow Nigerians” broadcast with the attendant loss of lives is gone for good”, the party added.