An emergency
meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) held today, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Bolton White Hotels,
Abuja on the on-going protest action against the increase in pump price
of petroleum products and hike in electricity tariff.
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.
NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command where our members were intimidated, harassed,
arrested and detained unjustly.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 understating and support.
Being a statement by Comrade Ayuba
Wabba and Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, the president general and secretary of the
Nigeria Labour Congress.
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