The Federal Government has urged the public to ignore reports that President Bola Tinubu plans to unveil wage awards and palliatives to workers during his October 1st Independence Day speech.
A statement signed by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Information at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, described the report as a total fabrication of an interview by the reporter, to suit the narrative of the interests best-known to the newspaper.
The statement reads in part: “We wish to categorically state that the report is false and misleading as at no time did the Director of Information make such disclosure of either announcement of wage awards or a scheduled meeting.
“The report, which is said to have emanated from a purported ‘interview’ with the Director of Information at the ministry, also claimed that a last minute meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, between federal government and Labour to avert the proposed strike.
“Members of the public are enjoined to ignore the report as it is a total fabrication of an interview by the reporter to suit the narrative of the interests best-known to the newspaper.
“For the benefit of doubt, it is important to stress that the Director of Information at the Ministry of Labour does not speak for the president nor is he involved in writing his speech to warrant him making any categorical statement on its content.
“If and when the minister schedules a meeting with labour, the public will be adequately notified through verified channels.”
Federal government really needs to be sensitive to the plights of the average Nigerian.