NLC AND TUC PROPOSED NATION WIDE STRIKE

When there is a plan by any government in Nigeria to remove the petroleum subsidy, the NLC, TUC and other pressure groups will roll out their drums for National strike. I am very sure that the 2012 strike that grounded the Nation’s economy for two weeks is still fresh in our memories most especially those that were negatively affected either business wise or those that lost one thing or the other to the touts or bad boys that took part in the strike or highjack the strike from the organizers. 

Now, another call for national strike is here again only that this might be with a difference in the sense that some of those that took part in previous strikes are now not in support of this proposed strike such as NUPENG, PENGASAN and many more groups as well as many other Nigerians with divergent views.

At the early stage of this present government, NLC and TUC respectively were part of many Nigerians who were advising Mr. President to remove the petroleum subsidy but now the subsidy has been removed the same NLC and TUC respectively are calling out Nigerians for national strike.

Can we say these body are focused?

However, I have a few questions for both NLC and TUC:
Ø Is it only when there is removal of petroleum subsidy that these two bodies remember that Nigerian workers are their respective members.

Ø During the scarcity that the PMS was selling between N100 and N150 per liter in Lagos and even N250 and N300 per liter in some other states and a lot of Nigerian workers resulted to trekking to work due to the increase in transportation fare where were NLC and TUC.

Ø What is NLC and TUC doing about the casualisation of Nigerian workers in the few factories still operating in the country.

Ø Did NLC and TUC think this is not the right opportunity to commence discussion with Buhar-led government on their request for increase in minimum wage?

Ø Can our labour leaders come out to tell Nigerians that the past strike and even this proposed one is totally in the interest of Nigerians and Nigerian workers?

We have since postponed the evil days of this petroleum subsidy removal long enough, so it is time for every Nigerian to benefit from the money the government has been spending on petroleum subsidy no matter how small and let us put a stop to the few cabals enjoying the money alone.

In conclusion, my advice for the NLC and TUC is not to be against the removal of the petroleum subsidy but to negotiate for the reduction of the pump price of PMS from the current price of N145 and also commence discussion on the minimum wage so as to alleviate the suffering of the masses who turned out to elect the present government.