Subsidy Protests: Day 3: NLC orders
sit-at-home
By Eubaldus Enahoro Last updated: Wed, 11 Ja
Benin City- The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and Trade Union
Congress TUC has directed workers to stay at home to observe the
nationwide strike.
In a statement yesterday in Benin City, Chairman, Edo State Council,
NLC and Chairman, TUC, Comrades Emma Ademokun and Joe Aligbe
respectively said the order became necessary due to assaults on
citizens who are part of the oppressed class.
“It is against this background that we feel pained and sad that some
persons whose agenda we see as mischievous, callous and inhuman
unleashed mayhem on very innocent persons, “ they stated., Acting
Secretary-General Mr. Owei Lakemfa had earlier called on members
of the union and its affilliate organisations to remain calm and
peaceful while protesting the removal of fuel subsidy.
NLC and its affilliate unions embarked on a nationwide strike on
Monday over the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government
on Jan. 1.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Lakemfa said that the strike was
generally peaceful and urged the people to avoid acts of violence.
“Nigerians are very peaceful people. Our experience is that people do
not become violent during strike until they are provoked by the
Police.
Lakemfa, who said the Federal Government had not invited labour to
dialogue since the commencement of the strike on Monday, urged
the government to take steps “to reduce the tension in the country”.
“We met with the Senate on Monday and conveyed the opinion of the
Nigerian people to its leadership.’’
Asked what would happen after the strike, he said: “I don’t know
what will happen at the end of the day; we don’t know how it will
end,’’ he said.


May d voice of the ρρℓ privãil!