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See how Over 500 Bishops Intervene in NLC and FG Crisis Over Minimum Wage

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 25th, 2024.

See how Over 500 Bishops Intervene in NLC and FG Crisis Over Minimum Wage

By Ibrahim Hassan-Wuyo

Bishops

More than 500 bishops from the Synods of the Charismatic Bishop Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Archbishop Leonard Kawas, have intervened in the ongoing dispute between the Federal Government and the Organised Labour regarding the minimum wage and high electricity tariffs. They have called for a peaceful resolution.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna by Archbishop Kawas, the CBCN urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to continue negotiations with the Federal Government instead of resorting to strikes, which could exacerbate inflation and hardship.

The bishops also appealed to the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the NLC and to be mindful of the current economic conditions. They emphasized the importance of negotiation to prevent further economic distress and called on the NLC to avoid shutting down the country.

Archbishop Kawas hosted Nigeria’s First Lady, the wife of the Vice President, the Chief of Defence Staff, and the Inspector General of Police, who received Meritorious Service Awards from the bishops. The event, held at the National Christian Centre, marked the third day of the Charismatic Bishops’ synod, featuring workshops and training sessions.

The conference concluded with awards presented to the representatives of the First Lady, the Vice President, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Senate President, and the Inspector General of Police. These awards were meant to acknowledge their contributions and to foster a new partnership between the Charismatic Bishops Conference and the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The awardees expressed gratitude to Archbishop Kawas for the recognition and the conference ended with a visit to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, who also received an award. He urged the bishops to continue praying for the country and reassured them of the government’s good intentions and plans for Nigeria.

The conference, celebrating its 10th anniversary, saw participation from bishops across 21 countries. On the first day, the bishops gathered to sing, praise, and pray earnestly for Nigeria. The second day featured teachings, workshops, and prayer sessions, with the highlight being the government’s endorsement of the partnership with the Charismatic Bishops Conference.

During the conference, Archbishop Kawas was elevated to the title of President General from National President of the CBCN, following a unanimous decision by the synod members. The over 500 bishops who attended left with great joy, many having visited Abuja for the first time.