The Strike Goes On, NLC Declares; Shuns FG’s Entreaties

Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.

-NLC

Notwithstanding the olive branch offered by the Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, rose from its meeting with the government side, Tuesday, and said  pointedly that it was not backing down.

The union said the nationwide strike it called to protest the hike in the pump price of petrol and allied matters, will start on Wednesday as scheduled.

Labour restated the stand through a press statement issued late Tuesday, by its President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, and implored Nigerians to thrash any contrary suggestion, describing such messages as the handiwork of “fifth columnists”.

The umbrella union of Nigerian workers said that though it held a meeting with the Federal Government on the extant matter, the parley had not changed anything. Consequently, the strike will proceed as scheduled.

“We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the Federal Government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria,” Ajaero said in the statement.

“The outcome of this meeting earlier today(Tuesday) has however not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.

“Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.”

The NLC is demanding the removal of what it described as “anti-poor policies of government” including the hike in the pump price of petroleum, school fees, and VAT among others.