By Our Correspondent
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has berated the Federal Government over the astronomic hike in the pump price of petrol and the “unrealistic palliative” it earlier announced.
Reacting to Tuesday’s price hike, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero rejected and described it as “anti-people”.
Speaking on Channels Television Politics on Tuesday, Ajaero said “the labour union rejects in its entirety, the money and the figure said to be captured by the government’s palliative initiative”.
“I think they are deceiving Nigerians.
“Going by claims that independent marketers now bring products into the country, Nigerians want to know how many marketers are importing.
“Nigerians also want to know the role of NNPCL in the current dispensation. NNPC cannot import and claim independent marketers are those importing fuel.
“Furthermore, the government withdrew subsidy from PMS and while we were discussing the aftermath of the withdrawal, another price increase.
“Why would the government go to court to seek a court injunction? Why will the government take other measures if it is not its business,” Ajaero asked rhetorically.
He said it was like Nigerians have entered a reign where they are being punished unnecessarily and where lies are the order of the day.
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“Clearly, the government is toiling with Nigerians and it is a reign of impunity.
“The same government is approving N70 billion for the members of the National Assembly to buy vehicles and furniture.
“But you’re increasing the cost of fuel. Should the removal of subsidies affect only the poor?
“This policy will further increase the margin between the poor and the rich. It is clear that the government is taking away all the benefits meant for the poor.
“Government is provoking Nigeria and attacking workers, students and others.”
According to him, labour did not partake in the arithmetic of fuel price fluctuation.
He added that the union could only make a better-informed decision “when we understand what the government is trying to do and what it has done so far”.
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