NLC Strike Holds after Initial Setback in Jos

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The strike called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the fuel subsidy removal on Wednesday suffered an initial setback in Jos/Bukuru metropolis of Plateau State as traders, who had earlier booed labour leaders, opened their shops for customers.

However, banks in the metropolis were shut against customers, who had thronged them for transactions. The banks’ workers were later dismissed to go home about noon, leaving their customers frustrated.

The premises of the state House of Assembly, state High Court, State and Federal Secretariats were also shut, while workers were seen hanging around in groups and discussing the development.

Also, pupils and students of public Primary and Secondary schools in the state were dismissed for fear of attacks by protesting workers who took to the streets of Jos. Staff of the University of Jos and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) College were also denied access to their various premises by members of the NLC, while the Highland FM and Plateau Radio/Television stations also went off air.

A statement from NLC signed by Comrade Izang Francis Atsen noted that following the unilateral increase in the pump price of fuel and electricity tariff by the Federal government, NEC of NLC has directed for immediate mobilisation of all affiliates to embark on an indefinite strike action, adding that by this notice to mobilise all workers to commence strike by the midnight of Tuesday if no contrary directive comes from NLC.

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