8th January, 2012
The Labour Movement and its allies have hailed the Federal House of Representatives motion adopted at the emergency sitting of the legislative chamber on Sunday directing Federal Government to suspend implementation of removal of subsidy on petroleum products. The two unions said it hope and pray that “President Goodluck Jonathan will listen to the loud voice of the Nigerian people which this motion has further ventilated by immediately suspending the fuel price hikes and allowing dialogue and consultation on the issue of fuel subsidy removal”.
“This motion if adopted by the Executive will immediately douse the explosive tension in the country and restore it to its pre-January 1, 2012 normalcy”, the two main labour unions, Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress said in a statement issued in reaction to the resolution of the House. The statement was signed by Owei Lakemfa and John Kolawole, Acting General Secretary and General Secretary of NLC and TUC respectively.
“We commend the House and its exemplary leadership for rising to the demands of the times, and in a bipartisan manner, seeking to steer the country away from a path that may have disastrous consequences”, the two unions added while urging the Senate to also rise up to the expectations of Nigerians by concurring with the House motion.
The unions however reiterated that the rallies, strikes and mass protests planned for tomorrow will go on.