Governor Hyacinth Alia says he is aware of the suffering Nigerians are grappling with.

Mr Alia disclosed this in Makurdi while addressing NLC at Government House, Makurdi.

The protesters, carrying various placards, were at the Government House to convey their grievances over the harsh economic realities to the governor.

The governor, represented by his chief of staff, Paul Biam, assured that their grievances would be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu.

He said it was clear that Nigerians were passing through tough times but assured that efforts were on to ameliorate their pains.

“As a government, we are completely in agreement with the fact that workers and, indeed, Nigerians are going through tough times. We have to accept these realities in our faces. 

“It is only when we accept and try to bring up policies that can cushion this that we can live better,” he said.

Mr Alia assured the protesters of his support for labour unions’ legitimate steps to ensure that the government is put on its toes to bring in policies that would alleviate the sufferings of the masses.

“We are aware of your sufferings. We understand your predicaments. Please be assured of the governor’s concern and worry. We understand your predicaments and we will continue to engage your leadership to ensure that together we build a better Benue,” he stated.

Alia assured the State chapter of the union of his commitment to workers’ welfare and commended them for their peaceful protest in Benue.

Earlier, in his remarks, the NLC chairman in Benue, Terungwa Igbe, said Nigerians were passing through untold hardships following the federal government’s economic policies.

Mr Igbe said the prices of goods had skyrocketed to the extent that within a day and in the same market, the same items were sold at different rates, depending on the time of the day.

(NAN)