THE COMMUNIQUÉ AT THE END OF THE MEETING OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
COUNCIL OF NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS ISSUED HELD ON SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016
IN ABUJA.
An emergency meeting of the National Executive Council
(NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held today, Sunday, May 22,
2016 at Bolton White Hotels, Abuja on the on-going protest action
against the increase in pump price of petroleum products and hike in
electricity tariff. NEC reviewed the protest action and its impact
across the nation, noting the sacrifices of its members, response of the
generality of Nigerians, government's attitude and the brutality of the
police in some states. NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi State
Police Command where our members were intimidated, harassed, arrested
and detained unjustly.
After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC
noted its protest action was informed by the twin issues of the
unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and increase in the
pump price of petroleum products. NEC adjudged the protest action to be a
success in spite of both internal and external challenges.
NEC
reiterated the correctness of its position on the twin-issues of
electricity tariff hike and astronomical increase in the pump price of
PMS and the hardship they portend for Nigerian masses.
NEC also
acknowledged that the temptation to compare the strike action with that
of 2012 could be compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
NEC said before it had
embarked on the action, it had anticipated a probable outcome and
therefore was not surprised by government's negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and
courage to identify its mission and fulfilling it, stressing that if a
similar situation arises again, it will still rise and stand with the
people.
NEC therefore commended those who took part in the action
in one way or the other and reaffirm its commitment to the struggle.
The action, it reiterated was taken in the best interest of the poor and
the weak and in drawing government's attention to the dangers of
relying on importation of petroleum products as a sustainable strategy
for making available petroleum products. It expressed the belief that in
the days ahead, time would prove its position right.
Congress
singled out for commendation, its state councils, affiliates and other
patriotic Nigerians who at very short notice picked up the gauntlet for
this struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the National Assembly
and All Progressives Congress led by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
In consideration of the above, NEC after due consultation with its
constituents resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the action it
commenced on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
Congress will resume negotiations with government on
the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an increase in the
pump price of petroleum products and any other issue that may arise
thereof.
It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and recognized
principles of representation.
The Congress will continue to
resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes and will always act
in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian
organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or
primordial sentiments.
The Congress urges the government to play
by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders
and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening our
democracy and also in acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what
goes around, comes around.
The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their understating and support.
Comrade Ayuba Wabba, mni. Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson
President General Secretary
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