No Going Back On Wednesday Protest – NLC Blows Hot

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reaffirmed its decision to proceed with its planned protest against the removal of petroleum subsidy. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this known after a meeting of the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives at the presidential villa in Abuja.

Ajaero dismissed fears of the protest being hijacked by hoodlums, stating that such incidents had never occurred in the history of workers’ protests.

However, he emphasized that it is the responsibility of security agencies to provide protection for the peaceful protest.

The NLC leader also expressed doubts about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ability to control inflation and gasoline prices due to the unification of the exchange rate. He questioned how the government would control the energy sector when it is import-driven and dealing with high exchange rates.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, stated that the meeting discussed issues related to the economic situation in Nigeria, and they adjourned to listen to President Tinubu’s national broadcast on the matter.

Gbajabiamila mentioned that the government is tackling the influence of oil cabals that have contributed to the country’s economic challenges.

The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, pleaded with organised labour to give the administration a chance to fix the battered economy. He explained that the government inherited a challenging situation and is working diligently to address various issues.

The organised labour had previously walked out of a meeting, citing the absence of top government officials for negotiations. Monday’s meeting was attended by representatives of the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), along with key government officials. (CONTINUE READING HERE)