The organised labour in Ondo Wednesday joined counterparts across the country in asking the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to immediately reduce the cost of governance to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on the people.
The stakeholders who included those of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the joint demand in Akure, the Ondo state capital at a peaceful demonstration to join the nationwide protest demanding for better welfare for the Nigerian masses.
Speaking during the protest, the state NLC chairman, Mr Victor Amoko, welcomed the removal of the fuel subsidy but lamented how its effects had been biting hard on the masses.
The NLC boss in the state, who read the position of the national body during the street demonstration, said every household in the nation is feeling the hardship occasioned by the policies of the federal government.
He noted that the increment in the price of petrol has led to astronomical increases in transportation fares, food, goods and services, tuition fees and the cost of accessing quality healthcare services in the country.
“We are calling for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the government including recent hikes in PMS prices, school fees and VAT. We also want all our local refineries both in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna to be fixed,” he said.
Addressing the labour leaders, Special Adviser to the Governor on Union Matters, Mr Dare Aragbaye, who spoke on behalf of the state government, appreciated the organised labour for registering their grievances through a peaceful demonstration.
“We have received your letter and it would be conveyed to Mr President. We don’t have any objection to your demands because we have seen your placards,” he said.
