Subsidy removal: CSOs caution NLC, TUC over proposed strike

<p>Rights groups under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations/Labour Centre have cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to jettison their planned strike scheduled to commence nationwide on Wednesday, arguing that though things were tough, the two trade Unions should consider the dire consequences on the nation as the exercise might be hijacked by aggrieved Nigerians who had been benefiting from fuel subsidy, leading to loss of lives and property.</p>, <p>The coalition sounded this word of caution on Tuesday in its communique issued at the end of its meeting which was held at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, and attended by Razak Olokoba of Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), Nelson Ekujumi (Centre for Social and Economic Rights), Titi Akosa (Centre for 21st Century Issues), Linus Okoroji (Humanity Services Project), Raji Rasheed Oyewunmi (Yoruba Citizen Action for Change), Gbenga Soloki (Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence), Razaq Oladosu (Grassroots Democratic Initiatives), Ramat Abdulrazak (Women Grassroot Network), among others.</p>, <p>Comrade Ekujumi, who read the communique to newsmen at the end of the session, said the warning to both NLC and TUC became imperative, recalling the sad incident of #EndSARS, which left sad tales in the mouth.</p>, <p>Ekujumi said the removal of fuel subsidy was in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians, adding that the humongous funds amounting to $30 billion being expended on fuel subsidy which would now be saved would be used to take care of many amenities, which would lead Nigeria to be a better country.</p>, <p>He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration “for the bold economic decision of removing fuel subsidy in the collective interest of the Nigerian people in the long run,” urging Nigerians, who were currently going through economic hardship</p>, <p>as a result of this policy, to “show understanding with the mindset that the pains they are presently going through, is the temporary sacrifice tha