Protest: Labour Makes Major Demands From Government

The organized labour in Plateau State on Wednesday made some major demands on what they expect from the federal government as the protest against fuel subsidy removal rocks the entire country.

According to the labour leaders, the government is expected to fix the oil refineries as well as stop all the arbitrary increases in charges including those of higher institutions, as well as taxes and utilities (electricity) tariffs.

The labour leaders while talking to newsmen, lamented that the fuel subsidy removal coupled with the exponential increase in prices of foodstuff, rent and others have brought untold hardship on many households.

Specifically, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) chairman in Plateau, Mr. Eugene Manji said many parents may not be able to pay their children’s school fees when schools resume in September due to the harsh economic situation except government reverses its actions.

“I wonder how many parents will be able to pay their children’s school fees in September?

“The increase of fuel from N195 to N617 has affected every sector of the economy.

“We are not antagonising government, but we are suffocating under the current economic challenges.

“Before you remove subsidy, fix our refineries and stop importing refined petroleum products, and ensure that every transaction concerning petroleum is done in our local currency (Naira and Kobo),” he stated.

Also, the chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Plateau, Mr Kenneth Shamah, said the protest was not just about the workers but for every Nigerian. He urged the government at all levels to be considerate and offer practical solutions as according to him, many families are suffering.

On his part, the National Vice President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Chris Piwuna said the government and the ruling class need to understand the impact of their policies on the common man.

He called for the payment of the outstanding salaries owed to ASUU members.

“There are taxes everywhere, electricity tariff has gone up, and the cost of food has skyrocketed.

“In the span of just two months, the price of petrol has gone up to over 300 per cent.

“Our leaders should listen, fix our refineries and go back to the resolutions reached between the Federal Government and the NLC on subsidy removal.

“They should also pay university staff their eight months outstanding salaries,” the ASUU chieftain said.