The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu, branding him a “betrayer” following the recent steep hike in fuel prices.
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and released on Tuesday in Abuja, the Labour Centre expressed its shock and disappointment at the unexpected increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a profound betrayal.
The NLC highlighted that one of the key reasons for accepting the N70,000 national minimum wage was the understanding that the price of PMS would remain stable.
However, the Congress accused the government of breaking this promise and adopting harsh market policies that have worsened the living conditions of Nigerians.
The statement also condemned the government’s actions against protesters, including the arrest and detention of citizens on what the NLC described as baseless charges.
The Congress further criticized the encroachment on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
“We are filled with a deep sense of betrayal as the federal government clandestinely increases the pump price of PMS. One of the reasons for accepting N70,000 as the national minimum wage was the understanding that the pump price of PMS would not be increased, even though we knew that N70,000 was not sufficient,” the NLC stated.
In its demands, the NLC called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of detained protesters, an end to indiscriminate arrests, a reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and a stop to policies that lead to hunger and insecurity. The Congress also urged the government to cease its tactics of terror, fear, and deceit.
The NLC vowed to stand firm with the Nigerian people and warned that it would not be intimidated by the government or its security agencies.
It also indicated that it would convene meetings in the coming days to determine its next steps, with decisions to be made public. (SituationReport)
Pump price: NLC labels President Tinubu ‘Betrayer’ over fuel price hike
