What We Discussed With President Tinubu- NLC Reveals
As part of a long day yesterday, labour leaders met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his office at Aso Villa – a parley that it described as “fruitful”, which might have terminated their plan to continue with the nationwide protests.
In Abuja, Lagos and many state capitals, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) led some workers and civil society organisations in a protest against the rising cost of living and the delay by the government in giving succour to workers affected by the removal of petrol subsidy.
The Labour leaders revealed their meeting with the President and said in a statement that they would await the implementation of the agreement with the President.
They said President Tinubu:
• Committed to an immediate restructuring of the framework for engagement in line with the input of the Labour leaders
• Promised that the Port Harcourt Refinery will commence production by December this year.
• Assured that an agreement will be reached on the Wage Award for Nigerian workers immediately.
• Promised to unveil a workable roadmap to the CNG alternative next week.
In another statement, Presidential Adviser Dele Alake said: “Consequent upon the fruitful and frank discussion with President Tinubu and their (labour leaders’) confidence in his ability to encourage open and honest consideration of all the issues put forward by the labour movement, the labour leaders resolved to stop further protest.
“They opted for further constructive engagement with the government to resolve all outstanding issues as they affect the working people and Nigerians in general.
“President Tinubu gave his commitment to the labour leaders that the Port Harcourt refineries will start production by December 2023 after the completion of the ongoing rehabilitation contract between NNPCL and Italian firm, Maire Tecnimont SpA.
“President Tinubu assured the labour leaders that he would continue to work for the best interest of Nigeria while pleading with the labour leaders to join hands with him to birth a better and economically buoyant country.”
With the President at the meeting apart from Alake, were Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale; Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo represented labour.
The labour leaders added in their statement: “It is pertinent to inform Nigerians that the extent of the success of the protest is underlined by the request of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC in a closed-door session.
“The engagement was fruitful in that immense mileage was gotten with regard to the issues that bogged down the work of the Presidential Committee on Subsidy Removal and necessitated the protest.
“On the strength of the President’s pledge and commitment, we have decided to return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process to allow for full implementation.
“Once again, we thank Nigerians while we wait for the Government to fulfil its own part of the understanding as agreed with His Excellency; the President.”
The statement added: “The NLC and TUC also appreciated the timely intervention of the National Assembly for their pledge ‘to resolve the issues raised by Nigerians and for their deep understanding of the need for government to provide quick wins as succour with short timelines’ to ameliorate the pains of subsidy removal”.
Noting, however, that “the days of long knives are here with us again,” the labour groups said despite being served with alleged contempt of court, they remained resolute in their “commitment to the protection of the interests and welfare of the Nigerian people.”
“To further show our collective resolve, all Nigerian workers will resume at the courts wherever they may be across the nation on the days of the court sittings to hear the contempt proceedings against the leaders of trade unions.”
As early as 7: am members of the NLC, the TUC, their leaders and representatives of some CSOs converged on the designated takeoff points for the demonstration.
The designated places witnessed a heavy presence of the police, Department of State Service (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel.
Public and private offices were open for activities in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) and the states, including Lagos, the nation’s commercial nerve centre.
In the FCT for instance, the Federal and secretariats as well as banks had many of their workers on duty.
Traders at the popular Nyanya market said they witnessed an unexpected surge in patronage.
The situation was the same in Lagos. Traders, commercial buses and motorcycle operators operated without any hitch except at the routes that witnessed procession by the protesters.
The protesters led by Ajaero and Osifo, first marched to the Federal High Court, the National Assembly complex and Federal Secretariat.
At the National Assembly, they pulled down the entry gate to the complex before they were received by Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume on behalf of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as: “We condemn increase in school fees”, “Stop importation of Petrol, Revive the Refineries,” and” Increase in price of fuel responsible for inflation, poverty,” among others.
Ndume said: “We keenly followed what is going on when we realised that there was a breakdown in the discussions between the Presidency and the NLC. I want to assure you that we will find a permanent solution to this.
“Please give us one week and we will make progress and if you are not satisfied with the progress we are making, then you can take further action,” he said.
He also said that a committee had been set up to look into the demands of organised labour.
“We will do our best as your representatives to come out with solutions acceptable to you and realistic enough,” the Chief Whip added:
But the House of Representatives warned that the demonstration could shut down the economy.
Spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi, said in a statement that rather than protest, Labour should join the House to continuously engage the government to achieve the implementation of palliative measures.
In Lagos, the NLC protest caused a massive gridlock along Bank Anthony Way, Oba Akran Road and Awolowo Way in Ikeka.
The protesters, who displayed placards and chanted slogans, said subsidy removal has led to a rising cost of living.
They demanded immediate action from the government to address the impact of the subsidy removal on ordinary citizens.
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, was part of the protest.
He urged the National Assembly to prioritise the welfare of citizens rather than spend N70 billion on the renovation of its complex.
Deputy Governor Hamzat, who addressed the protesters, said: “We’ve heard you, and the letter has been given to us. What we all want is a better Nigeria, and I’m sure we will get there.
“The leadership will dialogue and you will hear from us very soon. Thank you also for making this a peaceful protest and let me assure you your concerns are valid. Protests are also fundamental in a democracy.”
