Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed gratitude to General Yakubu Gowon (rtd.), Nigeria’s former Head of State, for pleading with the late General Sani Abacha to spare his life during the military regime’s crackdown on alleged coup plotters.

Obasanjo, who was imprisoned under Abacha’s rule, revealed his appreciation while reacting to Gowon’s statement made at the Plateau Interdenominational Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival in Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State on Friday.

During the event, Gowon recounted his intervention, explaining that he had written a personal letter to Abacha urging clemency for Obasanjo.

“I told him (Abacha) that God made him a leader to do good, not evil,” Gowon said.

He added that the letter, delivered to Abacha by his wife, seemed to change the course of events. Gowon expressed joy that Obasanjo not only survived the ordeal but went on to lead the country as President in 1999.

Responding the next day, Obasanjo admitted he was unaware of Gowon’s specific intervention until it was disclosed at the festival.

“I went round the world thanking those that have been appealing and praying for my release from prison. But I did not know that you wrote a personal letter for my release until you said it yesterday; I thank you for that,” Obasanjo stated.

He also lauded Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his peace-building initiatives and urged him to continue working toward the state’s development.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including former governors Jonah Jang, Joshua Dariye, Boni Haruna (Adamawa), and Governor Mutfwang.

It was a significant moment of reflection on Nigeria’s history, given the political past between Gowon and Obasanjo, who had played a role in overthrowing Gowon’s government in the 1975 coup led by the late Murtala Mohammed.

The Abia State Government has refuted claims by the national leadership of the organized labour that it is one of the 14 states yet to implement the new National Minimum Wage.

The government described the claims as false and misleading.

Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, addressed the issue during an interaction with journalists at the Government House in Umuahia.

Ajagba clarified that Abia is among the first states to begin the implementation of the new wage for its workers, having commenced the process in October this year.

“It is a misinformation that Abia State has not started the implementation of the new minimum wage.

” Of course, Abia workers have been paid the first salary according to the new minimum wage in their October salary and that has also been done this last  November.

“So, it is not true that Abia State is one of those states that has not started implementation of the new national minimum wage,” Ajagba stated.

Pastor Ajagba, while reaffirming the commitment of Governor Alex Otti in prioritizing the welfare of Abia workers, reiterated that the present administration has always demonstrated commitment to industrial harmony and welfare of Abia workers and wondered why Abia should be named among states yet to implement the new wage.

He noted that the issue was the grey areas which the Organized Labour observed after the implementation, which government has also shown firm commitment to addressing same and assured that whatever shortcomings arising from the implementation will be well taken care of.

“His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has always demonstrated his commitment to ensuring industrial harmony and also to make sure the welfare of Abia workers receive priority attention.

“It is on record that Abia State was one of the States that signified the intention and actually went ahead to contact the Organized Labour when the Federal Government concluded the issue of minimum wage.

“We rounded off our deliberations in October and the first payment was made the same October

“After the payment was made to the Organized Labour made some observations which the communicated back to us . In the same spirit of being a very responsible government we assured them that it should be looked into.” Ajagba explained.

While describing Abia and the government of Dr Alex Otti as responsible and responsive, Pastor Ajagba noted that the organized labour has always enjoyed a cordial working relationship with the state government.

Also speaking, the State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro and his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe confirmed that Abia State government has already commenced implementation of the new minimum wage from October this year, pointing out that the issues was some anomalies observed in the salaries of workers between grade levels 8 to 16.

They noted that the Organized Labour is in talks with the Abia State Government in to endure the error noted is addressed , assuring that it would be corrected.

In his words, the NLC State Chairman, Comrade Ogbonnaya Okoro said,

“Let me categorically say that Abia State implemented the minimum wage in October but it did not favour all the workers. It favoured workers between level 1 to 7.

“From 8 to 16 were not properly taken care of. And when we noticed that anomaly, the Organized Labour wrote a letter reminding the government that we have not tidied up the remaining loose ends, that there is need for workers between level 8 and 16 should be better placed.

“Immediately that minimum wage was implemented in October those in level 7 were taken higher payment than those in level 10. And it’s not supposed to be like that.” Okoro maintained.

The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Uwaoma Ukandu, his Labour and Productivity counterpart, Comrade Sunny Onwuma, the State Head of Service, Dr Ngozi Obioma, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma among other top government officials were present during the briefing.

Osun State government and labour leaders have announced the implementation of the New National Minimum Wage of N75,554,28 for all categories of workers including Local Government employees to take effect officially from the 1st of December, 2024.

A press statement signed and issued by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi today said an indication to this effect was sequel to an extensive and exhaustive negotiations between the Osun State Government team on one side and members of the state organized labour on the other side.

Oluomo Alimi equally announced in the statement that the Governor equally approved an improved pension package of 25,000 across board to all pensioners in the state in consideration of the plight of the senior citizens throughout the state.

Part of Alimi’s press statement reads;

“The present gestures to both public service workers and pensioners in the state is a testament to the affirmation of the top most priority accorded workers and pensioners in the Five Point Agenda of the Adeleke-led administration geared towards ensuring a productive public service that will ultimately bring about effective and efficient service delivery.

“It is to be noted that, the implementation of the New Minimum Wage is in line with the table arrived at following extensive and exhaustive deliberations between government team on one side and labour leaders on the other.

“Among the parameters taken into consideration include but are not limited to the availability of revenue, possible revenue forecast, existing debt burdens as well as sustainability and continued growth and development of Osun state.

“The effective date of the commencement of the New National Minimum Wage in Osun State is 1st of December, 2024, while one month arrears shall also be paid accordingly.

“It is also to be noted that other salary structures within the public service system would be attended to as appropriate.

“Accordingly, all public servants in the state including Local Government employees are enjoined to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor with renewed vigour and ability ” ended the press statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

Signatories to the implementation of the approved National Minimum Wage of 75,554,28 from the Government side are the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; Head Of Service, Elder Samuel Ayanleye Aina; Commissioner for Finance, Hon.Sola Ogungbile; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Akeem Bello; Accountant General of Osun State, Mr Olawale Rasheed Alabi; Permanent Secretary, Human Resources & Capacity Building, Mr Olugbenga Fadele; Permanent Secretary and Solicitor General of Osun State Ministry of Justice, Mrs Marufat Bello.

Those who signed on behalf of the Labour team, according to the statement are Comrade Christopher Abimbola Arapasopo, NLC Chairman, Osun state; Comrade Bimbo Fasansi, TUC Chairman, Osun state; Comrade Lasun Akindele and JNC Chairman, Osun state.