An Open Plea to Governor Charles Soludo: Elevate the Spirit of Anambra’s Workers
Dear Governor Soludo,
In the rich history of Anambra, our state has been known for its resilience, its culture of excellence, and its commitment to the welfare of its people. Public welfare is our identity and the very act that shaped us- continuously listening to our people.
Onuru ude nwanne agbana oso. The economic situation of the country has reached a tipping point and workers need every financial support the state could muster more than anything today.
We are a community that stands tall in the face of challenges, drawing strength from our shared heritage and the belief that our leaders have our best interests at heart. Leaders must stand firmly behind the work force of the state, and share in this our hard time.
Today, however, we find ourselves at a crossroads—a moment where your leadership can profoundly impact the lives of the hardworking men and women who have given so much to this state. Contributing with passion to the manpower demands of the state.
Governor Soludo, I write to you on behalf of the countless workers in Anambra, especially our teachers, who have dedicated their lives to molding the future leaders of our great state. Casting their lives on the altar of other people’s greatness.
These are the same teachers who rise each morning with the hope of impacting knowledge, only to return home each evening, burdened by the harsh realities of an income that barely sustains them. Yet, they have to wake up the next morning with that burden, and hiding their pains.
They are the pillars of our educational system, yet they are forced to endure hardships that no one, especially those tasked with nurturing the minds of our children, should have to face.
The recent insult inflicted upon our teachers by the NECO examiners in the Igbo language paper is a wound that runs deep. It is an indelible scar that will never be forgotten by this generation.
To label our teachers as those “suffering a punishment by God” is not only a grave misjudgment but an affront to the dignity of every educator in this state. It’s the worst insult one could imagine.
Such words, written and published for young minds to read, echo a sentiment that is both unjust and profoundly painful.
Our teachers, who are among the most dedicated and selfless members of society, deserve our utmost respect and support, not derision.
This incident should serve as a wake-up call, a moment of reflection for all of us, but particularly for those in positions of power.
It is a stark reminder that the conditions under which our teachers and other workers labor are not just an economic issue but a moral one.
When we fail to provide for those who educate our children, who build our infrastructure, and who serve our communities, we are not just neglecting our duties as leaders; we are failing in our duty as human beings.
Governor, the new ₦70,000 minimum wage law offers a beacon of hope, a chance to right these wrongs. It’s a path to sustainable relief for workers, even though it’s not enough.
By implementing this wage increase, you will not only alleviate the suffering of thousands of workers but also send a powerful message to the world: that Anambra values its people, that it stands with its workers, and that it honors those who contribute to the common good. Do not go contrary to this law, rather, painstakingly embrace it for the sake of posterity.
Workers deserve a good pay to encourage the working class. Workers deserve a good pay to maintain passionate commitment to the workforce of the state.
The implementation of the new minimum wage is not merely a financial adjustment; it is a moral imperative. It is about recognizing the inherent dignity of work and ensuring that those who labor tirelessly for the betterment of our state can do so with the security of a fair wage.
The implementation will go a long way to addressing and changing the popular belief that state workers are paupers, and this gives your government edge over others, hence maximising your chances of re-election.
This wage increase would mean that a teacher can afford to buy enough food for their family, that a healthcare worker can pay for transportation to the hospital where they save lives, and that every worker can have a sense of pride in the fact that their government values their contribution.
Governor Soludo, your legacy as a leader is being shaped in this very moment. The decisions you make today will be remembered not just in the annals of Anambra’s history, but in the hearts of its people.
By fully committing to the implementation of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, you have the opportunity to elevate not just the standard of living for your people, but your standing among the great leaders of our time.
You can be remembered as the governor who, in a time of great need, chose to stand with his people, to listen to their cries, and to act decisively to improve their lives.
Furthermore, by adhering to the signed into law minimum wage, your government teaches the need to respect law and order even in distress and unfavorable conditions.
It is largely expected that you will follow in the footsteps of other states that have approved and embedded the legal minimum wage in the state. Do not go against a federal law because it inconvenient you.
This is a matter of life and death for many. The cost of living continues to rise, and for many workers, especially those at the lower end of the pay scale, every day is a struggle for survival. Even a bag of rice cannot be bought with Seventy Thousand Naira minimum wage.
They must choose between buying food and paying for school fees, between seeking medical care and keeping a roof over their heads. This is not just an economic crisis; it is a humanitarian one. And you, Governor Soludo, hold the power to change this narrative.
I appeal to you, not just as a leader, but as a fellow human being, to feel the weight of this responsibility. The people of Anambra are looking to you for hope, for action, and for leadership that rises above the ordinary. They are counting on you to do what is right, not just what is expedient. Even though it’s the right of workers to earn minimum of Seventy Thousand Naira, I still humbly plead on their behalf.
As you contemplate the path forward, I urge you to remember the faces of the teachers who were mocked by that exam question, the parents who struggle to make ends meet, and the children who look up to you as a leader who can make their future brighter.
Imaginarily leave your position as the governor of Anambra State, as a wealthy professor and a contented fortunate man. Come to the swamps where some workers live, purchase two cup of rice and add enough pepper to help fill up with water, you will realise this minimum wage is a matter of survival.
Implementing the new minimum wage is more than just fulfilling a legal requirement; it is about fulfilling a moral obligation to those who serve our state with honor and dedication. It’s a Godly act, one that deserves prayers of thanks.
Governor Soludo, the time to act is now. The eyes of Anambra are upon you, and the hearts of its people are in your hands. Please, do what is right, and let your legacy be one of compassion, justice, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of the people you serve.
With sincere hope and unwavering belief in your leadership,
Emmanuel Sixtus
