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Labour Will Defend Nigerians On Subsidy Removal-TUC Tells Tinubu

Labour Will Defend Nigerians On Subsidy Removal-TUC Tells Tinubu

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has said that the organized Labour will stand with the Nigerian people who would adversely affected by the effect of the fuel subsidy removal by the government.

In a statement jointly signed by the president of TUC Comrade Festus Osifo and General Secretary Comrade Nuhu Toro, the congress advised president Tinubu to adopt dialogue with the stakeholders rather than taken a unilateral decision on the removal of subsidy.

 “We were at first encouraged, by his pledge to lead as a servant of the people (and not as a ruler) and to always consult and dialogue, especially on key and knotty national issues. But we were subsequently taken aback, even horrified, when he announced the withdrawal of subsidy on petroleum products, if by this, he means increases in pump price and the exploitation of the people by unregulated and exploitative deregulated prices, then it’s a joke taken too far. 

“We dare say that this is a very delicate issue that touches on the lives, if not very survival, of particularly the working people, hence ought to have been treated with utmost caution, and should have been preceded by robust dialogue and consultation with, the representatives of the working people, including professionals, market people, students and the poor masses. 

Accordingly,

“We hereby demand that President Tinubu should tarry awhile to give room for robust dialogue and consultation and stakeholders engagement, just as he opined in his speech until all issues and questions – and there are a host of them! – to ensure that they are amicably considered and resolved. Nigerian Workers and indeed mases must not be made to suffer the inefficiency of successive governments.  

We are also worried that in his speech President Tinubu failed to delve into or reveal his plans on how to tackle and address the issue of poor and unchecked deterioration in industrial relations, particularly in the education, health and judiciary sectors, often resulting in prolonged strike and Industrial actions and their attendant adverse effects on society and the economy.

“A case in point is the current nationwide strike by JOHESU. 

If there was anything for the administration to hurriedly address from day one in office, it’s the abysmal N30,000 minimum wage that has since been eroded by the problematic monetary and fiscal policies of government. 

The Labour Movement is open and ready to dialogue with the Tinubu administration on the fuel subsidy issue and we urge it in the interest of the country and its people not to dictate on such a matter or engage in manipulating the outcome of such consultations. 

 “Like always, we will stand by the people and their interests. Nigerian workers are hardworking and have remained consistent with productive work regardless of harsh government policies, poor governance and mismanagement of resources that have placed us under difficult living conditions”.

 END.

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