AdcThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised alarm over the continued hardship faced by local contractors and pensioners, urging the Federal Government to act swiftly to prevent nationwide demonstrations.
Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, made the remarks in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, warning that the ADC may join affected groups in protest if the situation remains unaddressed.
The concerns followed renewed agitation from two major groups: the Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria, which has threatened to stage a nude protest on Dec. 8 over unpaid arrears and palliative allowances, and the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), whose members last week gathered at the Ministry of Finance to demand payment for executed projects.
Abdullahi criticised the alleged non-payment of more than N500 billion owed to contractors who had completed and inaugurated projects, describing it as unacceptable.
He said the backlog contradicts repeated assertions by government officials that the nation’s finances remain stable.
He also questioned why pensioners have yet to receive increments and approved palliatives despite waiting for over a year.
The party spokesman said the ADC may have no choice but to stand in solidarity with the demonstrators if the Federal Government does not intervene quickly.
“We sympathise with contractors who have been forced to camp at the Finance Ministry just to demand payment for work already completed.
“We also support the pensioners who, out of desperation, are threatening to protest unclothed if the government fails to fulfil long-standing obligations, ” he said.
Abdullahi added that the ADC was prepared to participate in peaceful demonstrations to ensure the concerns of the affected groups are not ignored.
