“Buhari Stood with the Poor Against IMF, World Bank” – Former NLC Chair, Wabba

Former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President and International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) leader, Ayuba Wabba, has described the passing of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari as a monumental loss to Nigerian workers and the masses, remembering him as a leader who consistently stood with the poor.

In a statement released on Sunday, Wabba said Buhari’s death came as a shock, particularly to Nigerian workers who had directly benefitted from his pro-people policies and deep concern for the vulnerable. “What was meant to be a routine health check in London sadly turned into the demise of a Commander-in-Chief who will long be remembered for standing firmly with the poor and vulnerable,” he stated.

Wabba recounted Buhari’s swift action in 2015 to approve a \$2.1 billion bailout for financially distressed states, helping clear salary and pension arrears. “He was deeply moved by the hardship faced by workers. He once asked state governors how they managed to sleep at night knowing that their workers were owed salaries,” Wabba recalled.

He noted that Buhari continued this support in 2017 by releasing another tranche of bailout funds worth billions of naira, although some governors allegedly misused the resources. Wabba also highlighted Buhari’s involvement in the national minimum wage talks, noting that the former President had proposed a wage even higher than the N30,000 eventually adopted. He said Buhari’s commitment was hindered by the resistance of several state governors.

Among Buhari’s most impactful legacies, Wabba said, was his consistent refusal to remove the petrol subsidy, despite significant pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. “President Buhari stood his ground and refused to increase the price of refined petroleum products beyond the reach of ordinary Nigerians. He chose to stand with the people,” Wabba stated.

Reflecting on Buhari’s time in office, Wabba said history would remember him for his actions rather than rhetoric, especially for the concrete improvements he made in the lives of workers, pensioners, and the poor. He concluded with a prayer for the late President’s peaceful repose and extended condolences to Aisha Buhari, their children, and the extended Buhari family.