Fuel, Electricity Tariff Hike: TUC To Collaborate NLC, Civil Society On Mass Protest
By UDO ONYEKA
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has said that after an exhaustive meeting to review its mobilsation strategies on the forthcoming strike to protest fuel hike and electricity tariff has resolved to collaborate with Nigeria Labour Congress and the Civil Societies.
In a statement signed by TUC President and Secretary, Comrade Quadri Olaleye and Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi, respectively said consequent upon the ultimatum which should expire by 28th September, 2020 there is need to collaborate for effective and maximum effect.
” We want to use this opportunity to call on Nigerians, especially those in the informal sector to bear with us while the industrial action lasts.
” There is no need for the pains we bear. It is a needless one. They ask us to tighten our belts while they loosen theirs. Services are not rendered yet we are compelled to pay estimated bills. You will recall that this government during its electioneering campaigns in 2014 told the world there is nothing like subsidy. We were told that they will build refineries, all that are history now.
” We run a mono economy and any hike in fuel automatically will have adverse effect on us yet successive government tow that path because they are not creative.
” As at today, about eight states are yet to commence the payment of new minimum wage and its consequential adjustment even though the president signed it into law on April 18, 2019. We have written letters to the governors and also engaged them in dialogue but all to no avail. Sometimes we wonder if these people have conscience at all.
” The Congress appeals to all Nigerians to get ready for the unprecedented mass action against corruption, obnoxious policies, rape and other violent offences, breach of Collective Agreement, unemployment, etc. “We also call on the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, etc. to support our struggle by placing indefinite VISA ban on our political leaders whose stock in trade is to loot and impoverish the masses and the country. We can no longer take it. Enough is Enough”, TUC said.
