Senators enter closed session as protesters break down National Assembly gate

<p>Nigeria’s labour unions – the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions, started their protest on Wednesday in Abuja, Lagos and other parts of the country.</p>, <p>Protesters in Abuja on Wednesday who began their demonstration from the Unity Fountain broke down the first gate of the National Assembly complex and forced their way into the premises.</p>, <p>Reports said the protesters subsequently moved to the second gate of the Assembly Complex even as Senators immediately entered a closed-door session as Senate President Godswill Akpabio is expected to address the protesters</p>, <p>Executives of Nigeria’s Organised Labour said the protest is against the alleged anti-people policies of President Bola Tinubu, especially the removal of petrol subsidy that has caused a spike in prices of food items and transportation.</p>, <p>NLC President Joe Ajaero last week demanded the immediate reversal of all “anti-poor policies” of the federal government including the recent hike in petrol price, public school fees, and other requests.</p>, <p>Government representatives led by Tinubu’s chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila have had meetings with labour unions but were unable to reach an agreement.</p>, <p>Amid pleas to reconsider the planned protest, Ajero said there was no going back until the government meets their demands.</p>, <p>“We are here for the protest and to make a statement that since we started negotiation, that there is nothing we have in our hands,” Ajero told Channels Television in Abuja.</p>, <p>The union leader also demanded an upward review of the minimum wage from N30,000 to N200,000 to reflect on the rising cost of living.</p>, <p>Tinubu, who promised to announce a new minimum wage soon on Monday, said he is confident that the fuel subsidy removal are the right decisions for the country at the moment.</p>, <p>“Fellow Nigerians, this period may be hard on us and there is no doubt about it that it is tough on us. But I urge you all to look beyond the present temporar