NLC, TUC protest against economic hardship

Labour unions under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress (NOC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) protested against economic hardship being experience by Nigerians.

However, they called on the Federal Government to create policies that would reduce the suffering of Nigerians and also provide food on their tables.

The protest which started from Labour House, Yaba, Lagos through Ikorodu Road and ended at Lagos Secretariat, chanting solidarity songs with various placards.

Leading the protest in Lagos was the Vice President of the NLC, Amaechi Asugwani, who hinted that workers intermittently appealed to the government to make changes that would impact positively on people.

According to Asugwani, “creating people’s oritented policies would reduce the level of poverty in the country. This rally was necessitated by the outcry of people who are worried about the increasing cost of food, goods and services. We are demanding for a change. They promised us food, jobs, stable power supply but none has been done.”

“The government should be sensitive to the plight of the people. It has not increased the salaries of workers and many companies have closed because of poor power supply.”

On his part, the popular artist and former President of Performing Musician Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Charles Oputa (Charlie boy) stated that Nigerians should watch out in the next two months for the giant of all rallies as all businesses will be shut down.

He stressed that the murder of all rallies would take place in April 2017, saying enough is a enough.

Also speaking, Human Right Lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to prosecute those who diverted the money meant for the internal displaced Persons (IDPs).

He disclosed this at Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s office when the labour union took the protest to his office.

Falana, while appreciating the organised labour, said “President Buhari should flush out corrupt officials out of his government and those involved in the diversion of IDPs money should be prosecuted.”

The Human Right lawyer also charged State governments in Nigeria to join the fight against corruption.

“Inspite of the promises made by this government to make life good for the people, pensioners are dying, things are getting difficult everyday. I urged organised labour to ensure payment of pensions and salaries of workers. Despite recession, convoy of Governors are still very long and they still purchase cars,” he said.

Responding, Commissioner for Establishment, Mr. Akintola Benson, promised to deliever the message to the Governor.

It would be recalled that Nigerians began on Monday to protest against the policies of the present government which have brought hardship and moved the economy into recession.