EKAETTE IBUOT
The yearnings that the labour movement in Nigeria would quickly mobilize for a strike and nationwide protest against the decision by the Federal Government to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol, may have been misplaced as union leaders seem unprepared for now.
The organized labour under the auspices of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja revealed that they will consult their organs nationwide before taking a decision on the matter.
NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, gave the revelation while fielding questions form newsmen during the briefing.
According to him; “We don’t take ‘solo’ decisions, we consult our organs. Any time we are taking decisions for such actions, I am sure you will be invited, we will take our decision at the appropriate time when our organs meet and you will be informed.”
It would be recalled that, the Federal Government through the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) on Tuesday September 2nd announced a new price regime which increased the price of petrol from N138.62 to N151.56 per litre.
This was disclosed in an internal memo from Ibadan depot to all stakeholders with reference number PPMC/IB/LS/020 dated September 2, 2020 and signed by D.O Abalaka, fueling anxiety and anger across the country as Nigerians groan over certain increase in hardship.
The NLC President had issued a statement on Wednesday where he condemned and rejected the price hike.
He further stated that ; “The increase in price of petroleum has happened now more than three times in three months, only yesterday they hiked the tariff of electricity. And to compound it they also reduced the interest rate of savings which affects mostly the poor and the vulnerable.”
“Certainly we cannot guarantee industrial peace and harmony, and we will have to call our organs and we will have to also react but we reject it in its entirety.
“They have betrayed the trust of Nigerians, for Nigerians to be protected against the economic challenge that is affecting us”, he stated.
However, Nigerians may have to wait a little longer for the unions to instigate action against the increase in fuel price including the recent increase in electricity tariff by the Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) as the unions make their consultations.
