Social and economic activities were on Wednesday in Owerri, the capital of Imo State brought to a halt following the nationwide protest organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in view of the removal of fuel subsidy.
Members of the organised labour in the state who trooped out in large numbers blocked the major roads in Owerri city, frustrating the movement of vehicles and people which lasted for hours.
The protesters wearing black dressings, chanting songs with placards bearing inscriptions such as, “Let Nigerian breathe”, “fuel price increase suffocating the poor”, and Naira devaluation killing the local industry and jobs” trekked from the Port Harco road of the state down to the major entrance of the government house round about.
Speaking during the protest in Owerri, the Imo State Acting Chairman of NLC, Dr. George Ogoegbu called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the removal of fuel subsidy and the increased fees for unity schools and tertiary institutions.
The Acting chairman appealed to the Federal Government to rescind its recent economic policies, fix refineries, pay university workers their owed eight months’ salary arrears, reduce VAT and reduce school fees for unity colleges and tertiary institutions.
He said: “We urge Mr President to keep faith with the agreement entered by the Federal Government, NLC and TUC. We cannot continue to suffer; let the poor masses breathe.”
According to him, Nigerian workers are one of the least paid in the world adding that they cannot fuel their vehicles coupled with the cost of living which is alarming.
The Secretary of the TUC in Imo State, Mr Benjamin Ezekwe, in his statement questioned the motives behind the removal of fuel subsidy without concrete plans to ameliorate the sufferings of Nigerians.
He called on the Federal Government to desist from making promises and swing into action without delay, adding that the long wait for a remedy since May 29 has become exhausting.
He said: “The President of a country ameliorates the suffering of the masses, not otherwise but a majority of President Tinubu’s policies have brought suffering upon Nigerians and we the workers can no longer continue to suffer in silence.
He said, “We challenge Mr President if he is not coerced into being our president to revisit his policies without delay and ease our suffering. Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Meanwhile, security operatives have taken over the popular Assumpta Cathedral roundabout, control post, the scheduled venue for the protest organised by the labour unions.
Tribune Online observed that the protest has remained peaceful, with a mammoth turnout.
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