From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
A group under the auspices of the Arewa Youth Assembly has rejected the proposed sweeping plans for workforce reduction by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
The Speaker of the Assembly, Mohammed Salihu Danlami, stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.
According to him, with reports indicating that more than 1,000 employees have either resigned voluntarily or will be laid off, the Assembly vehemently rejects this course of action, deeming it a profound injustice against the Nigerian people, particularly those from the Northern region.
He added that at a time when the nation is grappling with severe economic challenges, the decision to let go of workers not only exacerbates the existing hardships but also reveals a disturbing disregard for the welfare of the citizens.
The group stressed that Nigeria has been facing significant economic distress, a situation exacerbated by various factors, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuating oil prices, and ongoing security challenges.
This backdrop, according to them, makes the timing of the CBN’s decision not only imprudent but also what we might choose to call “satanic”.
It is unfathomable that an institution that is supposed to safeguard the financial health of the nation would engage in mass layoffs, thereby further destabilizing the economy and increasing poverty levels.
They warned that the impact of unemployment extends beyond mere numbers; it has profound psychological and social implications.
“Layoffs can lead to increased rates of mental health issues and can exacerbate criminal activities as individuals struggle to provide for their families.
“With poverty directly linked to a host of societal vices—including crime, domestic violence, and child neglect—CBN’s actions could indirectly lead to heightened insecurity in Nigeria. Therefore, it is not merely an economic issue but one of moral and civic responsibility.”“APC cannot afford to lose Benue State, neither can the party afford to lose Governor Hyacinth Alia who has been performing well in office. The SGF and his attack dogs should not distract the governor from delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State.”(DAILY POST)
