The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has slammed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his comment on the union’s protests over the prevailing economic hardships being experienced by Nigerians, asking the President to fulfil his promises to Nigerians rather singling the union out for criticism.
The NLC said that rhetoric with the Organised Labour is no substitute to bringing solutions to the challenges of hunger and deprivation in Nigeria.
The NLC and other affiliated unions had initiated a nationwide protest on Tuesday over the rising cost of living, inflation, insecurity, and general hardship prevailing in the nation, wielding placards bearing slogans to articulate their concerns about the prevailing economic challenges nationwide.
The slogans include: #End Poverty and Hunger, Support Local Industries#, Fix Local Refineries End Subsidy#, #End Naira Devaluation, Tax the Rich Subsidise the poor#.
During the protest, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, delivered a letter outlining their demands to President Bola Tinubu via the leadership of the National Assembly.
However, the protest which was scheduled to last for two days was called off on the first day.
President Tinubu on Thursday took a swipe at Organised Labour for the series of strike actions they had embarked upon since he assumed office on May 29, 2023, saying such development is unacceptable to his administration.
According to the President: ““Allow me to throw a jab here. The Labour Union should understand that no matter how long we cling to our freedom and rights, to call four strikes within nine months of an administration is unacceptable.
“If you want to participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027. If not maintain peace. You are not the only voice of Nigerians.”
But on Friday, NLC President Ajaero responded, saying: “We find these remarks, particularly those concerning the role of Labour in governance, to be profoundly at variance with the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians under existing policies.
“President Tinubu’s insinuation that Labour lacks the moral ground to challenge his administration, merely nine months into office, is deeply troubling. Moreover, his focus on partisan issues and the distant 2027 election cycle, rather than the urgent needs of the populace, further underscores a disconnect from the realities faced by Nigerians on a daily basis.
“It is regrettable that the President seems oblivious to the profound hardships endured by millions of Nigerians. The pervasive hunger, unemployment, housing insecurity, and escalating costs of basic necessities such as food and healthcare demand immediate attention and decisive action. Yet, instead of addressing these pressing concerns, President Tinubu appears preoccupied with political calculations and future electoral prospects.
“The NLC wishes to emphasize that our primary objective is not to vie for political positions, including that of the President. Rather, our sole focus is on advocating for effective governance that prioritizes the welfare and security of all Nigerians. We urge President Tinubu to redirect his efforts towards fulfilling this fundamental duty of public office, rather than engaging in political rhetoric.
“It is imperative that we refocus our collective energy on addressing the substantive issues that have been the subject of engagement between Labour and the government since June 2023. These include critical matters such as wage increases, social welfare programs, infrastructure development, and the revitalization of key sectors such as education and healthcare.
“In any case to avoid the dissipation of energy, it is important that we focus on the real issues because we have engaged the government since June 2023 after the subsidy is gone statement. The issues are around the non-implementation of agreements reached between us and the government.
“For example; on June 5, 2023 after the hike in the Price of PMS, the following agreements were reached between us and the Government viz;1. Review Proposal for Wage Increase and Award including framework for timing and implementation.
“Mr. President, these agreements were reached but the Committee that was saddled with working on these was never inaugurated and none of them was implemented until we were forced to organize a nationwide rally while the president gave his personal commitment. However, Mr. President, nothing came out of your promises. It took another round of protests for the October 2, 2023 agreement to be reached. We outline the agreement below so that your government will tell Nigerians which one it has been able to implement.”