‘You have made a Statement’ -NLC, TUC appreciate Nigerians
…as President Tinubu meets Labour Leaders
‘Labour Unions have agreed to suspend protests’ -Presidency
The leaderships of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have commended the Nigerian masses for their solidarity and support toward the nationwide protests held on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 against the hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly known as Petrol.
In a press statement dated August 2, 2023 and jointly signed by the NLC President; Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President; Comrade Festus Osifo, the Labour Movement said the Nigerian masses demonstrated “…determination and commitment to saving ourselves and indeed the nation from those whose only interest is to foist continuous deprivation and sufferings on Nigerians”.
In the message tagged “You Have Spoken Loudly Nigerians: It Resonated And Resounded”, the Labour Movement noted “We want to appreciate the massive solidarity and support of the Nigerian people who thronged the various venues around the country in their numbers despite intimidations and blackmails by agents of government and forces of retrogression to discourage them from joining the nationwide protest which was called to ventilate citizens outrage at the anti-poor and anti-people’s policies of the government. Our hats are doffed at your determination and commitment to saving ourselves and indeed the nation from those whose only interest is to foist continuous deprivation and sufferings on Nigerians”
On the alleged contempt charge against the Labour Leaders, the Nigerian workers hinted that all Airports, Seaports, Hospitals, schools and other public and private facilities would be closed down as all workers would be in courts to solidarize them anywhere anytime they would appear in courts.
“To further show our collective resolve, all Nigerian workers will resume at the courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of the trade unions, the Airports, The Seaports, the Hospitals, schools, all public and private sector workers will all appear in court across the nation in response to the contempt charges”
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, met with leaders of labour unions in the State House, Abuja.
According to media reports, the Organised Labour, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), embarked on protests across the country on Wednesday over the removal of petrol subsidy without adequate palliative measures.
The protests, initiated by NLC and TUC, raised concerns about the impact on citizens’ cost of living, especially the vulnerable.
The meeting is aimed at conveying workers’ grievances, negotiate potential solutions, and presenting demands for suitable palliative measures to alleviate economic burdens.
Those present at the meeting include Mele Kyari, group chief executive officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, (NNPCL); Joe Ajaero, NLC president; Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, Festus Osifo, TUC president, Dele Alake, special adviser to the president on special duties, communication and strategy, among others.
In the same vein, the Presidency has confirmed that the Labour unions have agreed to suspend the nationwide protest to allow for further dialogue.
Read below:
STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT
LABOUR UNIONS TO SUSPEND FURTHER PROTEST AFTER FRUITFUL MEETING WITH PRESIDENT TINUBU
The leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and that of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Usifo, held a meeting with President Bola Tinubu Wednesday evening at the State House, Abuja.
Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the Labour Movement, the Labour Leaders resolved to stop further protest.
They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
President Tinubu gave his commitment to the Labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.
President Tinubu assured the Labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the Labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.
Dele Alake
Special Adviser to the President
(Special Duties, Communications & Strategy)
August 3, 2023