Don’t dare Nigerians by removing fuel subsidy, same move you rejected during Jonathan’s government, Nigerian Labour Congress NLC, tells President Tinubu
Federal Government representatives are expected to meet with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today by 2pm over the planned removal of fuel subsidy.
The NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, said the position of Labour has been clear that even if President Bola Tinubu has a good intention, alternatives must be provided, which includes, the repair of the nation’s four refineries, provision of transportation alternatives for Nigerian workers, amongst others..
The Nigeria Labour Congress, expressed displeasure over the pronouncement by President Bola Tinubu that the subsidy is gone without consulting relevant stakeholders and putting in place adequate measures to cushion its effect on workers.
NLC lamented that Tinubu’s declaration had returned queues to fuel stations, some marketers shut down their filling stations and immediately there was a hike, with petrol prices increased by as high as 300 per cent in some places in the country. This has brought tears and sorrow to millions of Nigerians instead of the renewed hope the administration promised.
A statement issued by Ajaero, on Tuesday, recalled Tinubu was one of those who vehemently kicked against the government removal of fuel subsidy by the then President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2012.
The statement reads, “We at the Nigeria Labour are outraged by the pronouncement of President Bola Tinubu removing ‘fuel subsidy’ without due consultations with critical stakeholders or without putting in place palliative measures to cushion the harsh effects of the ‘subsidy removal’.
“Within hours of his pronouncement, the nation went into a tailspin due to a combination of service shutdowns and product price hike, in some places representing over 300 per cent price adjustment.
“By his insensitive decision, President Tinubu on his inauguration day brought tears and sorrow to millions of Nigerians instead of hope. He equally devalued the quality of their lives by over 300 per cent and counting.
“It is no heroism to commit against the people this level of cruelty at any time, let alone on an inauguration day. If he is expecting a medal for taking this decision, he would certainly be disappointed to receive curses for the people of Nigeria consider this decision not only a slight but a big betrayal.
“On our part, we are staunchly opposed to this decision and are demanding an immediate withdrawal of this policy.
“The implications of this decision are grave for our security and well-being.
“We wonder if President Tinubu gave a thought to why his predecessors in office refused to implement this highly injurious policy decision.
“We also wonder if he also forgot the words he penned down on January 8, 2012 but issued on January 11, 2012.
“In light of the foregoing, we advise Tinubu to respect his own postulations and economic theories instead of daring the people. It could be a costly gamble,” the NLC said.
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