Organized labour insists on nationwide mass protest, as last minute meeting ends in deadlock

Organized labour including the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, says they would hold a nationwide protest today (Wednesday) over the hike in pump price of petrol and other ‘anti-people policies of the government’.

Reports had emerged yesterday alleging that labour, after a meeting with government officials, decided to shelve the proposed protest.

But the NLC, in a statement on Tuesday night by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said it has “neither reconsidered nor suspended the nationwide mass protest”, urging Nigerians to ignore the rumour.

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Ajaero revealed that the union met with officials of the government on Tuesday to further press its demands as the effect of the fuel subsidy removal worsens hardship across the nation.

According to him, the meeting ended in a deadlock as no agreement could be reached.

Part of the statement reads, “We have to inform all Nigerians that we just rose from a meeting with the federal government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria.

“The outcome of this meeting earlier today, however, did not change anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of the Nigerian workers and people.”

“Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve. ”