…as Akpabio appeals for understanding of predicaments facing Tinubu’s govt
MARGARET CHIDERA
While efforts are ongoing to douse feud between the organised labour and Federal Government created over cushioning effects of fuel subsidy removal, the Nigerian movement has rejected the committee ked by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon Femi Gbajabiamila.
At a meeting on Tuesday between leadership of the Senate and leaders of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Gbajabiamila was described as too preoccupied with state functions at the President villa for the all important national assignment of heading the committee.
The organised labour also said the Panel put in place by government is not capable to resolve the issue.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, National President of NLC, also told the Senate leadership that Tinubu wage award committee is yet to sit two months after the removal of fuel subsidy.
The NLC president said, “Part of our challenge is the issue of the committee put in place, the committee seems not to be capable, as labour, we are done with negotiation and engagement with the government from the time of Ikaite, as SGF, kingibe, Pius Ayim and Boss Mustapha.
“At no time had the chief of Staff to the president who is very busy called to negotiate or lead negotiations.
“And that has delayed the issues, even since after our protest, another meeting have not reconvened , although president promised that he will restructure the mechanism of engagement with government to help things to be treated fast.”
“We had agreed on wage award, and up till this moment the committee on wage award is yet to sit.”
Ajaero, while speaking during the meeting with Senate leadership lamented plight of Nigerians as a result of removal of fuel subsidy without putting anything on ground to ameliorate the effect in the country.
He told the lawmakers that while Labour leaders were still deliberating on N537 per litre of fuel and Court had ruled for status quo to remain , but surprisingly the government decided to increase the fuel to N620 per litre.
Speaking further, the NLC President said that $800 million intended to borrow to cushion effect of subsidy removal and you till now the Labour yet to get information about urging Federal government not to use the record that was used in the past by the previous administration.
NLC Presudent stated, “Nothing is yet to happen bon the issue of 800million Projected to be borrowed, we have not perfected the list of the people who will benefit from it.
“We should not follow the record that was used in 2019 because we’ve our doubts on that record.And no indices have been put forward to dictate those that are termed poor.”
In his response, President of the Senate, God’swill Akpabio appreciated Organised Labour for their patience and understanding to assist government.
He told the Labour Union that although President has saved N1 trillion as a result of fuel subsidy removal, but Mr President inherited a broke country with debt over N30 trillion.
Akpabio assured the aggrieved Labour Union of partnership and approach the Executive to ameliorate the suffering of Nigerians.
