Jonathan meets Labour leaders, set for presidential debate

[TGD]

[attach=1] PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan is to participate in the presidential debate being organised by the Nigerian Elections Debate Group later today.

His spokesman, Ima Niboro, said in a statement that "President Jonathan looks forward to availing himself of the fresh opportunity of the debate to further present his strong case for re-election to the widest possible audience of Nigerians on radio and television.

While the President hopes that the other invited presidential candidates will review their announced decision to not participate in the debate and deny millions of Nigerians of a great  opportunity to critically assess  their contending platforms and policy options, his attendance is not contingent on their doing so.

"President Jonathan fully intends to take his place on the debating stage tomorrow totally prepared to convince millions of Nigerians who will tune in on television and radio that giving him a fresh presidential mandate is the best way forward for the country.   Nigerians who wish or need to be further enlightened on the President's action plan to positively address all critical challenges before the nation should therefore tune into the debate at 1900 hours tomorrow on the network services of NTA, AIT, Radio Nigeria and other radio and TV stations affiliated to the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria."

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday expressed joy over the signing into law of the N18,000 minimum wage by President Jonathan.

The NLC's President Abdulwaheed Omar, alongside the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), told journalists after a meeting with Jonathan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, that the signing was "historic."

Both labour leaders said the increase in the minimum wage would go a long way in improving the welfare of workers.

The President also met with the leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) which lauded his giant developmental strides and urged all citizens to reelect him.

President Jonathan had also on Monday met with the leadership of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa Abuja, where he got 'the overwhelmingly endorsement' for his candidacy ahead of the April 9 Presidential election.

The meeting was in continuation of his consultations with various interest groups across the country ahead of the general elections.

The endorsement was contained in an address presented to Jonathan  by the NUT leader, Comrade Michael Olukoya, who  lead a 120-man delegation from all States and the Federal Capital to an audience with the President.

Olukoya said Jonathan had endeared himself to all Nigerian teachers through his various actions since he assumed office last year, adding that the teachers looked forward to continuing to work with him to improve current standard of education after his 'anticipated victory' in next month's elections.

Source: Jonathan meets Labour leaders, set for debate