The Trade Union Congress (TUC) declared that it would have no option than to hit the streets in protest if the dehumanizing conditions of Nigerians and especially the workers persist in the New Year.
The Congress also threatened to direct and mobilise the entire workers, especially its members all over the country to abandon their cars on major roads, If the perennial fuel scarcity continues.
In its New Year message, signed by the President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and the Secretary-General, Comrade Musa-Lawal Ozigi, said Nigerian workers have lost their jobs in millions; while many have committed suicide when they could no longer fend for their families.
While commending the workers and Nigerians for their endurance and persistence, the Congress pointed out with regret that the pain they bear during the year is a needless one.
The TUC said: “It is no news that pensioners (our senior servants) who served this country meritoriously die on a daily basis, even at verification locations throughout the country. Though their pension is not paid yet, they are burdened to feed their graduate children who are yet to get jobs five years after graduation.
“This is not the best of times in our country as Nigerians are subjected to various dehumanizing conditions. How do we explain it, that in the midst of the grueling fuel scarcity many workers are still being owed up to six months salary.
“Bailouts were given but unfortunately diverted by governors and the Federal Government seems not to be doing anything about it. Those governors involved in such irresponsible act should be brought to book.”
“There is no milk of kindness left in our leaders anymore,” the Congress said, adding, “they prefer state of the art monuments and house, as well as five-star hotels to human life and the education of our children (the supposed leaders of tomorrow).
“Families die on our roads yet they tell us our roads are not as bad as some Nigerians claim. It is only in Nigeria people pay for services that they did not use. The power sector is a case in point. If things remain like this the Congress may have no option than to hit the street.”
The TUC, made various demands in the New Year, which include that the National Minimum Wage Committee set up by the Federal Government should conclude everything concerning the new wage on or before the end of the second quarter of 2018.
It also stated that all state governments should pay all outstanding salaries and allowances to workers before the end of the first quarter in 2018.
It also demanded that all corrupt political officials should face the music, irrespective of their political affiliations. No more soft landing for anybody found to have looted the country.
The statement added: “That Congress can no longer accommodate this perennial fuel scarcity, especially during the Yuletide or any other time. If it happens we will direct and mobilise our members all over the country to abandon their cars on major roads.
“While we pray for the quick recovery of Mr. Yusuf Buhari the son of President Muhammadu Buhari who was involved in a bike accident, and other less privileged unsung Nigerians with similar or worse situations, we call on the President of the federal republic to do the needful in putting the country on the path of progress.
“We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect a different result. This is not how it is done in other climes.”
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