The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has advised Nigerians to ignore what it called “fake news” on the suspension of a planned nationwide mass protest over anti-poor and workers’ policies of the Federal Government
Mr Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in a statement, titled, “We have neither Reconsidered nor Suspended the Nationwide Mass Protest”, on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to him, Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people.
“We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.
“Once again, the Nationwide Mass Protest will start tomorrow (August 2). We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the Federal Government.
“We sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria. The outcome of this meeting earlier today has, however, not changed anything,” he said.
He, however, said that the demands of the NLC include the immediate implementation of the resolutions jointly signed with organised Labour and government.
Ajaero also called for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of government, including the recent hike in PMS price, school fees and VAT.
He also urged the Federal Government to fix the country’s refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.
According to him, release the eight months withheld salaries of university lectures and workers.
“Accord appropriate recognition and support to the Presidential Steering Committee and the work of its Subcommittees.
“Also put a stop to inhuman actions and policies of government,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has directed all its affiliates and state councils to mobilise their members for the strike.
TUC’s President, Mr Festus Osifo, and General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, gave the directive on Tuesday night.
The union said that the protest was against, what it described as, the unfavourable policies of the Federal Government.
“The congress is not averse to the removal of subsidy; we support the fact that it has to be removed but there must be measures in place to ameliorate its effect on Nigerians.
“Such measures include fixing of the refineries and possibly building more; functional transportation system; living wage, good medical facilities and employment.
“The policy was not thought through which is why its impact is excruciating on Nigerians.
“Therefore, all affiliates and state councils of Congress are hereby directed to mobilise their members for action by midnight of today, August 1, 2023,“ the union said.
