By Chidinma Ufomadu
The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo (SAN), on Monday, alleged that some politicians hassled him over the public works programme meant to create 774,000 unskilled jobs.
At the inauguration of state selection committees of the programme on Monday in Abuja, Keyamo brought to the attention of the chairmen that there has been a threat to the duties expected to be carried out by the committee for the provision of employment to the citizens of Nigeria.
Keyamo promised to relief any chairman that would go against the objective of the initiative of their duties and likewise not to yield to any manner of threat but he would rather ensure that the initiative was brought to fulfilment.
He further encouraged state-chairmen not to succumb to the pressure from unnamed politicians that can hinder the aim of the initiative, which is to reduce the rate of unemployment in Nigeria.
Keyamo stated, “There have been attempts at blackmailing me in this particular programme too, to make us also yield to political leaders and we have said no – not while I am here.
“I have a pedigree; I have a background; I know where I am coming from. Before I came into public office, I have a pedigree and what I stand for.
“Except Mr. President, who appointed me, stops me, and who gave me the opportunity and rare privilege to drive this programme; except he stops me, no other political leader or person can stop me. I am answerable only to Mr. President.”
The minister put forth that the public works programme would run from October to December through the National Directorate of Employment, it would be monitored by the ministry.
He further elaborated that past individuals that have been given such position to lead the initiative, always gave it up for some political leaders in a bid to yield to please them.
The Federal Government has made the public works programme for all Nigerians, not withstanding their political stand and a sum of N20,000 would be paid monthly to each public works programme participant which would yield a total of N60,000 for the 3months, he explained.
Keyamo stated “Before coming here today, there has been an attempt by certain political leaders to say I must come and see them behind the scene first to determine who gets what and how, and I said no. I am ready at any time for a public debate on this with them.”
In a bid to maintain the stand of the chairmen, he stated, “I think the chairmen can stand on their own; don’t go and hold meetings in the house of politicians to select; hold your meetings in NDE offices.
“Don’t go and meet in any government house to hold any meeting. Don’t go to any politicians’ house to do selections.”
