The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has stated that the duration of the ongoing protest will depend on the government’s response rather than the use of force. NLC President Joe Ajaero made this declaration during an interview at Unity Fountain in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with Channels TV on Wednesday.
The protest initiated by NLC commenced on Wednesday morning, targeting ‘anti-people’ policies in various states, including FCT, Abuja, Lagos, Kaduna, Kano, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.
Ajaero emphasized that the NLC is keen on determining the protest’s duration based on how the state responds, whether it be for today, tomorrow, or an extended period. He further condemned the use of force to suppress people’s freedom of expression.
The current situation stemmed from President Bola Tinubu’s announcement during his inaugural address on May 29, where he stated that the fuel subsidy is now eliminated. Consequently, fuel prices surged from N185 to N617 per liter in various parts of the country, leading to a steep rise in the cost of living.
In response to the escalating cost of living, the NLC issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the reversal of the ‘anti-people’ policies. Among the NLC’s demands are an increase in the current minimum wage, the release of eight months’ withheld salary for university lecturers and workers, and a rollback of the public school fees increase.
The NLC’s protest seeks to voice the concerns of the working class and push for changes that would alleviate the burden on the citizens caused by the government’s policies. The outcome of the demonstration depends on the government’s willingness to address these demands and engage in constructive dialogue with the labor union. As the situation unfolds, the NLC remains resolute in its pursuit of fair and just policies that benefit the Nigerian people.
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