The Ayuba Wabba led-faction of the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) held a meeting on Sunday in Abuja on
the on-going protest action against the increase in
pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity
tariff.
A communique Wabba co-signed with Peter Ozo-Eson,
NLC general secretary, said NEC reviewed the protest
action and its impact across the nation, noting the
sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of
Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of
the police in some states.
It stated that NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command “where our members were
intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.”
It reads: “After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted
its protest action was informed by the twin issues of
the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and
increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC
adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of
both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the
twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical
increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship
they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to
compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be
compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had
anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not
surprised by government’s negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of
mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling
it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it
will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the
action in one way or the other and reaffirm its
commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated
was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak
and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers
of relying on importation of petroleum products as a
sustainable strategy for making available petroleum
products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead,
time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state
councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at
very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this
struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the
National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led
by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due
consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend
with immediate effect, the action it commenced on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government
on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an
increase in the pump price of petroleum products and
any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and
recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong
legislations, policies and programmes and will always
act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the
only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion,
region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
“The Congress urges the government to play by the
rules in its engagement with its constituent parts,
stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its
commitment to deepening our democracy and also in
acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes
around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at
all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their
understanding and support.”
Congress (NLC) held a meeting on Sunday in Abuja on
the on-going protest action against the increase in
pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity
tariff.
A communique Wabba co-signed with Peter Ozo-Eson,
NLC general secretary, said NEC reviewed the protest
action and its impact across the nation, noting the
sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of
Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of
the police in some states.
It stated that NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command “where our members were
intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.”
It reads: “After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted
its protest action was informed by the twin issues of
the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and
increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC
adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of
both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the
twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical
increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship
they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to
compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be
compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had
anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not
surprised by government’s negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of
mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling
it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it
will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the
action in one way or the other and reaffirm its
commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated
was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak
and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers
of relying on importation of petroleum products as a
sustainable strategy for making available petroleum
products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead,
time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state
councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at
very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this
struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the
National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led
by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due
consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend
with immediate effect, the action it commenced on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government
on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an
increase in the pump price of petroleum products and
any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and
recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong
legislations, policies and programmes and will always
act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the
only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion,
region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
“The Congress urges the government to play by the
rules in its engagement with its constituent parts,
stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its
commitment to deepening our democracy and also in
acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes
around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at
all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their
understanding and support.”
