CSOs give NLC 48 hrs to direct state labour unions to join protest

The Coaliton of Civil Society Organizations, have given the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, 48 hours ultimatum to direct their state chapters to declare support and participate in the ongoing protest.

The leadership of the NLC, trade unions, Park Management System, PMS and other affiliated unions, had earlier dissociated themselves from the protest.

The CSOs had, during the protest, given the NLC a 48- hour ultimatum to convene Joint National Executive Committee meeting to declare a support for the protest.

While addressing newsmen at Iwo-road, a leader of one of the civil society groups, who remained anonymous called for, amongst other things, "Immediate reversal of all of the anti-poor policies specifically the pump price of petrol to N197."

"Immediate repositioning of all of the public refineries and end to importation of petroleum products."

"Immediate reversal of the decision to hike the electricity traff."

"Renationalisation of the power sector under the control and management of the elected representatives of the working people"

"Political office holders should be placed on the salary and allowance earned by the civil servants."

"Nigeria Police and armed forces must be 'accorded' the right to form and belong to trade union for adequate defense of their economic rights."

"Free education at all levels as constitutionally guaranteed and reversal of current regime of fee hike across the Nigeria public tertiary institutions."

"A national minimum living wage which is constitutionally guaranteed, which rises as inflation rises."

"The National Leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC) and Trade Union Congress ( TUC) should convene a joint National Executive Committee meeting to declare a 48hours nationwide strike and street protest to support the hunger protest."

A handful of workers reported for duties at the Oyo state government secretariat, Agodi with heavily armed security agents on standby 

The protests train comprising majorly of youths, displayed placards with inscriptions such as, "Enough of Hunger," "Restore subsidy" proceeded from the Challenge roundabout in Ibadan Southwest Local Government to Molete, Agodi Gate and Iwo road where they were joined by other protesters.

Also addressing newsmen, one of the protesters who identifies himself as Buhari, said the protest became imperative, noting the prevailing hunger in the country.

According to him: "The nation is at the brink of collapse. Nothing works again. The poverty index is increasing geometrically."

"The subsidy removal has brought more pains than gains. The government is insensitive to the plights of the masses."

"Tinubu has 8 days during which the protests will last to address the lingering economic crisis."