The Nigeria Labour Congress, Ebonyi chapter, says President Bola Tinubu should have listened to the poor masses before the removal of fuel subsidy.

Oguguo Egwu, NLC chair in Ebonyi, said this in an interview on Monday in Abakaliki.

Following Mr Tinubu’s announcing the subsidy removal, NLC and its affiliates declared a nationwide strike scheduled for Wednesday. The strike has now been suspended.

“NLC and all its affiliate members are ready to embark on the strike, and this is a total withdrawal of services nationwide. In Ebonyi, we are ready, and mobilisation of workers has commenced,” said Mr Egwu before the late-night truce the government and labour unions reached. “We enjoined the general public to support the action because this will lead to the reversal of the old fuel pump price regime.”

The labour leader added, “The increase has led to the suffering of the masses. Imagine paying N550 per litre of fuel in Ebonyi here. Go back to the status quo and let us have room for negotiation. There is a need to listen to the poor.”

He noted that the federal government could do it “without inflicting wounds on citizens,” stressing Mr Tinubu’s government to “make sure that the people are not suffering.” 

Ikechukwu Igwenyi, the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Ebonyi State University, pointed out that government policies should serve the interest of citizens.

“Well, there is nothing wrong with removing the subsidy, but there must be a palliative to cushion the effect of the subsidy. You don’t just remove it just like that,” said Mr Igwenyi. 

The ASUU leader added, “Do it for the interest of the masses. There is a need to revert to the status quo, and labour unions can go to the round table. The people must understand the subsidy regime before removing it.” 

(NAN)