Adebayo Adenrele
The Organised Labour of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called on President Bola Tinubu to fix local refineries in Port-Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna so as to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.
The Chairmen of NLC and TUC in Ekiti State, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde and Comrade Sola Adigun, on wednesday made the demand when they staged a peaceful protest in Ekiti Government House over hike in the price of premium motor spirit (PMS).
The Union also demanded for suspension of fuel subsidy removal, school fees, value-added tax(VAT) and all anti-poor policies so that the Vulnerable citizens can survive the economics headwinds.
The Protesters, who converged at the NLC Secretariat complex, marched toward the Ekiti Government House with placards of inscriptions like ‘Reduce the cost of governance now! Save the masses from poverty and hunger, and ‘Stop importation of fuel, revive our refineries.’
While briefing Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abibat Adubiaro at the entrance of the Government House, the organised Labour further demanded for the release of eight months of withheld salaries of university lecturers and workers.
On his part, the governor in his response through the Head of Service, Bamidele Olugbenga Agbede, assured that he would deliver their demands to President Bola Tinubu.
The Governor’s representative further assured them that the present administration would continue implementing policies that would improve the people’s lives.
According to him, “we are very pleased with the way ans matured manner that you have conducted yourself today.
“The reason it’s peaceful is because Labour leaders and Ekiti State have been partners in progress and development of Ekiti State.
“What is happening has affected everybody, the fact that in the past, properties were vandalised but Ekit is known for our value in Education.
“We are already prepared on our own, we don’t want to short-change the masses, we are just waiting for the order of the President.
“I want to appeal to you to be patient with us to await the goodies from the Federal Government.”
