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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sternly criticized President Bola Tinubu, labelling him a “betrayer” following the sudden hike in the price of Premium Motor Spirit.
The union in a statement signed by its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero on Tuesday, expressed shock and disappointment at the unexpected increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a profound betrayal.
It highlighted that one of the major reasons for accepting the N70,000 national minimum wage was the understanding that the price of petrol would remain stable.
The NLC President further berated the government for the hike, stating that instead of ensuring the promised reversal, the rate has since been jacked up further, adding that it is already putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy.
Ajaero said, “We recall vividly when Mr President gave us the devil’s alternatives to choose from: either N250,000 as minimum wage (subject to the rise of the pump price between N1,500 and N2,000) and N70,000 (at old pms rates). We opted for the latter because we could not bring ourselves to accept further punishment on Nigerians.
“But here we are, barely one month after and with government yet to commence payment of the new national minimum wage, confronted by a reality we cannot explain. It is both traumatic and nightmarish.
“Yet, when we told government that it’s approach to resolving the fuel subsidy contradictions was patently faulty and would not last, it’s front row cheer leaders sneered at us, saying we did not understand basic economics.
“But if truth be told, this act of betrayal is consistent with the character of this government. We recall the assurances we were given by the leadership of the National Assembly on the 250% tariff hike, that it had been dealt with and there was no need to openly engage the Minister of Power who was at that meeting.
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“Instead of the promised reversal, the rate has since been jerked up further putting more Nigerians and businesses in jeopardy. The combined effects of government’s ferocious right -wing market policies brought Nigerians and Nigeria to their all-time low and led to the End-Hunger/End Bad Governance protests.”
Meanwhile, in its demands, the NLC called for the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase, the release of detained protesters, an end to indiscriminate arrests, a reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike, and a stop to policies that lead to hunger and insecurity.
The Congress also urged the government to cease its tactics of terror, fear, and deceit.
The NLC vowed to stand firm with the Nigerian people and warned that it would not be intimidated by the government or its security agencies.
It also indicated that it would convene meetings in the coming days to determine its next steps, with decisions to be made public.
