Organised labour in Ekiti state joined their counterpart across the country on Wednesday to protest the hardship and suffering of Nigerians aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal.
The peaceful protest which commenced as early as 8 am from the state secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) located around the Egbewa area of the state capital, moved to the governor’s office where they submitted a petition to the officials of government enroute the federal government.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as, “No money for transition; End corruption now; Education is our right; ‘ Let the poor breathe, among others.
The state chairman of the NLC, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde said the protest was about the withdrawal of subsidy that has caused hardship in the country.
“This is not palatable, there is hardship in town , labour leaders have been called to join us to protest what has caused agony of different dimensions, workforce has nothing to take home,” he said.
In his part, the chairman of TUC in the state, comrade Sola Adigun stated that; “We are here to correct the misconception of some people that labour unions don’t represent the masses, we are not only speaking on behalf of Nigerian workers but for all Nigerians in a bid to end economic sufferings.
“Palliatives should be well prepared for and ought to have even started.”
“Enough is enough, Tinubu is just coming on board. Nigerian workers were shocked at the May 29 inauguration when the president announced removal of subsidy.
“This is clear violation of the appropriation act. Federal government has taken labour for granted, we want the poverty to be alleviated. No to political statement! We represent the market women, the students who are unable to pay school fees, we can’t be suffering and be smiling.”
The Secretary to the state government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro who received the protesters on behalf of governor Biodun Oyebanji, while sympathising with the workers over the situation, stressed that “the state governor is sensitive to the plight of the people”.
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