The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has given a one-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse the recent increases in the pump price of petrol, school fees in federal schools and the release of 8 months withheld salaries of university lecturers or risk a nationwide protest and industrial action.
This is contained in a communique signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugbuaja to newsmen at the end of the Congress Central Working Committee meeting in Abuja.
The message conveys the congress’s dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s ongoing disregard for the hardships faced by Nigerian workers and the poor.
It states that, due to the government’s lack of interest in discussions and the failure to activate the President Steering Committee within the agreed-upon timeframe of 8 weeks, the congress intends to gather responsible and patriotic individuals to take appropriate action in defense of democracy and the nation.
The communique also calls for an immediate inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee as agreed in the earlier consequential dialogues that the leadership of the organised labour had with the Federal Government in May.
It calls on Civil Society Organizations and Nigerians wherever they may be to begin mobilization to take action on their own to save our nation by
organizing and leading mass protest rallies across the nation to demonstrate outrage against the inhuman actions and policies of the government.
The communique consequently directs all affiliates and State Councils of NLC to begin immediate mobilization and closely work with associations, individuals and other entities including the ones already on the streets to ensure that government listens to the people.
RN
