The Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige, on Sunday, got more than he bargained for following his disclosure that he would be declaring his intention to run for the 2023 presidential race on Tuesday.
Ngige said God had spoken to him regarding his presidential bid, hence, he would make a public declaration on Tuesday.
However, the development has earned him heavy knocks from Nigerians who questioned his capacity to govern the country if he could not successfully resolve the crisis between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government.
Majority of Nigerians who commented on Daily Trust’s report on social media took the Minister to the cleaners, declaring his ambition as “dead on arrival.”
It was reported that the ongoing industrial action by ASUU has entered its second month with no end insight.
ASUU had on Monday, February 14, 2022, announced a four-week total and comprehensive warning strike following the inability of the union and the Federal Government to reach common ground on the demands of university lecturers.
Some of ASUU’s demands include the release of revitalization funds for universities, renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement, release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and deployment of the UTAS payment platform for the payment of salaries and allowances of university lecturers.
Following the expiration of the initial four weeks of the warning strike, the union had gone ahead to declare another eight weeks saying that it was giving the government more time to attend to its needs.
Amidst the lingering strike, Ngige made his intention to run for the president known, drawing the ire of the Nigerians on social media.
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“Even enemies of Nigeria are declaring for president. God forbid,” Agatha Nanmha Langtim, A Facebook user wrote.
Muhammad Huzaifa said “Imagine, who didn’t solve ASUU problems is thinking that he can solve Nigerian Problems. This is a shame Mr. Ngige.”
For Onwurah Peter Chizoba, also a Facebook user, “Have he have resigned as minister ? Bcos he will surely lose that payment and won’t smell presidency. A man is about to lose two things.”
Joseph PK Michael: “You are not qualified, In fact, you are the worse person among the aspirants. 4 months of ASUU strike! Nothing to issues about.”
Comr Bakatsinen Zazzau: “You failed to help our life negotiated with ASUU and you want us to vote you? Are out of your senses?”
Anas Galadima: “It is high time we the students of tertiary Institutions will rally around and show you shege. Kutmeh!
Ajayi Davis: “You cannot solve ASUU problem and you want to solve Nigeria problem.”
Hassan Ibrahim said: “Dead on arrival, someone that can’t negotiate between govt and ASU want to lead the whole Nigeria.”
Salim Toro: You are very funny Ngige. It’s the right time for WE( Students) to show you shege. (Daily Trust)
