● Groups kick against planned strike
It is not the first time that a sitting president will attempt to bring an end to the economy-wrecking fuel subsidy in Nigeria but none has gotten the backing witnessed by the newly sworn-in president, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, since he announced during his acceptance speech that, surely, the end has come for this burden to be exterminated.
As usual, many trade unions including the TUC and NLC had threatened to either go on strike or lead protests that will force the decision to be rescinded by the president but unlike before, this plan has been met with countering from several groups and individuals who have shown their unwavering support for the tough-but-much-needed decision.
On Tuesday, 30th of May, 2023, Civil Society Organisations and Professionals drawn from the various parts of the country described the development as “good riddance to bad rubbish”
The group, at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, stated that the Federal Government spends N1.243 trillion monthly as fuel subsidy, saying the economy will collapse if the regime is not ended.
The National Chairman of the group, Isah Abubakar, who was flanked by the General Secretary, Joe Moses, and other top executives, explained that petrol, otherwise known as PMS, was still sold at N600/litre across the country, despite the subsidy regime.
Abubakar said the sum of N1.243 trillion being fuel subsidy cost was not in the nation’s budget for 2023.
The Northern Elders Forum were also not left out in aligning with the president’s decision as they made their position known few days after his inauguration. The forum, in their statement said they see the move “as a courageous step towards economic growth and development.”
Another group named Coalition for Good Governance and Economic Development (CGGED), on Thursday, threw their weight behind Mr President and his firmness on the decision describing it as a move that will “help save money that would used for sustainable development and quality service delivery.”
The Campaign for Democracy(CD) said “the removal of the fuel subsidy was long overdue and welcome the development for the good of Nigerians.”
Other notable groups that have given their support to the decision includes Oil And Gas Transparency and Advocacy Group, APC Professionals Forum, members of the Organized Private Sector, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Youth Advocates Network (YAPJEN), The Natives, The Arewa Youth Assembly (AYA), Tinubu Support Network, Kwara Progressive Media Organization and many others.
Governor Makinde of Oyo state, Former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike and PDP chieftain, James Ibori all had similar opinions when they visited Mr President in the state house last week to show their support for his decision to remove the fuel subsidy with former governor Wike even alleging that the NLC and TUC are being bankrolled by cabals benefiting from the subsidy scheme.
Another PDP stakeholder who have supported the president’s decision includes former governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti.
The Social Democratic Party(SDP) wholeheartedly threw massive weight behind President Tinubu’s decision through their National Secretary who said the decision “if well handled, could positively impact both the economic growth and development of Nigeria.”
Also, on Friday, 2nd June 2023, the Progressive Governors Forum, led by the newly elected chairman, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, made clear their position to support the removal of the subsidy after meeting with the president at the state house in Abuja. This is coming after the members of the House of Representatives also expressed their readiness to support the president in ensuring that the subsidy is totally removed from the Nigerian economy.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited was not left out among those calling for the president to be backed by all Nigerians in his bid to get rid of the fuel subsidy that has become an albatross on the economy. The company, through its CEO Mele Kyari said the subsidy removal, which had been a burden on the NNPCL cash flow, will free up funds to enable optimal operations in the company.
Sen Ali Ndume, Uche Nwosu, Charly Boy and a member of the governing board of NDDC Olorogun Bernard Okumagba are all voices from various interests who have endorsed the decision to let go off the payment on fuel subsidy.
Never has there been so much counter calls by groups and individuals against the NLC since successive governments started making attempts to remove fuel subsidy. Many have said this is due to the trust in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to make judicious use of proceeds from the successful removal of the incessant fuel aid.
Meanwhile, a group called the ALMAGAMATED APC SUPPORT GROUPS have warned the Nigerian Labor Congress to desist from being compromised by beneficiaries of the fuel subsidy scam who are planning to use them to ground economic activities.
The group in a statement released by the Youth Directorate said they will mobilize their members to sensitize Nigerians on why any planned strike by the NLC or other unions must be averted.
1 Comment
*MOTHER OF ALL PROTEST AGAINST NLC / TUC*
The antecedents of the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) prior to this time is widely known to be against the interest of Nigerians. Rather, an organised congresses fighting for selfish interest using the vehicles of our dedicated, committed, ever serious and loyal Nigeria workers .
The lack of purposeful directions and not defending to an end the interest of ordinary members of the congresses are the major reasons among others the NLC and TUC lost their welcome and shine in the hearts of Nigeria Workers and Nigerians in generals.
It is on record that NLC and TUC none-meaningful and direction-less strike actions overtime which always result to trading the common interest of their majority workers on the negotiation table with government officials negate the reasons for their calls to strike actions and this has set the country on a reverse gear and made life more difficult for majority of the Nigeria workers thereby crippling the economy at large. Hence, NLC/TUC calling for strike actions against fuel subsidy removal policy sustained by this administration must be challenge
Recall that the same NLC and TUC both supported Peter Obi during the Presidential campaigns to remove the fuel subsidy which Obi called “Organised Crime” Recall also that the fuel subsidy was removed by the administration of PMB and set a terminal date for June 30, 2023 as well made no provision for same in the budget.This, the NLC / TUC knows but kept quiet. Why now are they calling for a reversal on what they campaigned for? It is obvious that both the NLC / TUC are acting a script which is aimed at making the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ungovernable. This, we will resist.
On the above strength, all members of Nigeria for BAT home and abroad will be out to defend the policy of this government on fuel subsidy removal on 7th of June, 2023. We shall come out en mass against the activities of the leadership of NLC/ TUC. Joe Ajaero (Aja-Ero) and Emmanuel Ugboaja (Ugbo-Aja) do not and cannot lead the NLC and TUC ever committed workers to any strike actions which is selfish , vendetta in nature and callously calculated to incite peaceful and educated Nigeria workers against the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whom only re-echoed what is on the transition paper with him.
Nigerians will vehemently resist the selfish interest of the NLC and TUC evil cabals call to strike action which is at cross purposes against the common interest and progress of all
Remember, Peter Obi Presidential Candidate of Labour Party during his campaign said subsidy is an organised crime and he will remove it 100%
Atiku Abubakar PDP Presidential Candidate in his campaigns said he will remove fuel subsidy
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (PBAT) during his campaigns also said he will remove fuel subsidy.
If they all said fuel subsidy is our problem and should be discarded with why is NLC / TUC coming from behind to fight against the removal?
Nigerians are more knowledgeable and wiser. We know better.
Hon Femi Showunmi
National Coordinator
Nigeria for BAT