A charity foundation, Tilova for Africa, has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to implement policies that will protect the economically vulnerable and low income earners in Anambra state.
Co-founder of the American-based foundation, Mr Martin Nwabueze, made the call when he paid an advocacy visit to Dr Law Mefor, Anambra state Commissioner for Information in Awka.
Nwabueze commended Soludo for his effort at transforming the infrastructure landscape of the state as well as combating insecurity.
He urged the governor to come up with policies that would put more money in the hands of the critical mass of the population by way of announcing tax waivers and protecting the rights of employees in the service industry to receive gratuities.
Martin said the visit was in continuation of the foundation’s campaign for decriminalisation of tips and improvement of workers welfare in both public and private sectors.
“We have followed the activities of the Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and I must say we are impressed with his achievements in the area of infrastructure and attempt to make Awka a befitting state capital.
“His security initiatives have been encouraging too, people feel safer to move around the state now than before, that is commendable too.
“But as a foundation, we are advocating for policies that will protect the poor from the increasing economic hardship, we call on the governor to come up with policies that will leave more money in the hands of the people.
“We are calling for a cut in taxes and levies on transport operators and small businesses, both the one payable to the government and the one payable to the so-called unions.
“Again, these minimum wage workers who are employed in service industries like hotels and bars should be free to collect ‘tips’ from customers who feel satisfied with their services.
“They need this money to augment their pay, so the government should decriminalise it, employers should not stop them from being appreciated, it is not bribery, it is not corruption,” he said.
The activist backed Soludo’s social moral rebirth crusade but reiterated that nobody should be victimised because of his religious belief and ensure that rule of law was adhered to in prosecuting perceived offenders.
Martin Commended Mefor for his contributions to the administration through effective communication of government policies and programmes as well as operating an open door policy.
In a reaction, Law Mefor said the Soludo administration was elected to serve the people of the state and that feedback was very crucial to its success.
Mefor appreciated Nwabueze for appreciating the works of Soludo and offering useful advice.
“Mr Governor is deeply concerned about making life better for Anambra people and your idea bothers on social reorientation which is a long term project, we will be willing to partner with your foundation to achieve that objective,” he said.
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