Fuel Price Hike: Strike, Protest Continues Thursday, Says NLC

Paul Obi in Abuja

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has said the strike and protest it started Wednesday will continue despite reports that workers shunned the industrial action.

NLC Secretary General, Dr Peter Ozo – Eson, in a statement, commended unions and affliates that responded positively to the strike, urging them to keep up the tempo.

He said: “We commend our members and civil society allies for turning out enmasse today to prosecute the strike action against the increase in pump price of petroleum product in spite of teething challenges.

“We salute their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming acts of threats and treachery.

“We note that no reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be different. Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the protest continues tomorrow,” Ozo – Eson stated.

“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members, friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest tomorrow.

“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout tomorrow at 7 a.m. For those who are yet to join the strike…, we similarly urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the vulnerable,” the NLC chief scribe observed.

He further said: “”No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is just the beginning.”