Subsidy Removal: Organised labour in Nasarawa joins nationwide protest

The organised labour in Nasarawa State has joined the nationwide protest against the hike in the price of petrol in the aftermath of the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy. The unions, consisting the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), led the protest march from Total Filling Station, Lafia, to the Office of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Akabe. Speaking at the event on Wednesday in Lafia, Comrade Ismaila Oko, NLC Chairman, called on the Federal Government to reconsider the action in view of the hardship being experienced by the workers and the masses. The NLC chair said that the Federal Government should immediately take measures that would improve the lots of Nigerians before things get out of control. “Since the subsidy was removed, workers now spend their entire salaries on transport fares to their offices. “Workers can no longer cater for the school fees of their children, feed their family members and meet up to other responsibilities in the family,” Oko said. On his part, Comrade Mohammed Doma, TUC Chairman, urged the government to act fast to address the fuel hike. He wondered why the citizens of a country that was producing petroleum would be buying petrol at an exorbitant price that the citizens could not afford. “Our salaries cannot take care of our transportation to our offices, we are suffering,” the TUC Chairman noted. The union submitted a protest letter to the Head of Civil Service, Ms Abigail Waya, who lauded them for conducting themselves peacefully. Waya said that already both the Federal Government and the Nasarawa government had constituted committees to work out palliatives for the citizenry. She promised to brief Governor Abdullahi Sule about their issues and to submit their letter to him. 

Angry protesters pull down NASS Complex gate

*We’ll address your demands within 7 days- Senate The members of the organised Labour Unions protesting the removal of fuel subsidy on Wednesday pulled down the gates of the National Assembly in Abuja. The protesters numbering over 5,000, first converged at the Unity Fountain, Abuja, from where they matched to the Federal Ministry of Justice before proceeding to the National Assembly. However, following the failure of the security officials to adhere and open the gate to them, the angry protesters pulled down the gates and thronged into the assembly complex to vent their anger. The organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are currently protesting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Meanwhile, the National Assembly (NASS) has pledged to review and address the organised Labour demands within the next one week. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio said this when organised labour took its mass protest to the National Assembly Complex where it submitted a list of its demands on Wednesday in Abuja. The mass protest was organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over anti-poor and workers policies of the Federal Government. The protesters carried placards with inscriptions such as; “We condemn increase in school fees, “Stop importation of Petrol, Revive the Refineries,” and” Increase in price of fuel responsible for inflation, poverty among others. Akpabio, who was represented by Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, assured the protesting workers that NASS was in support of their struggle. “We have keenly followed what is going on when we realized that there was a breakdown in the discussions between the Presidency and the NLC. I want to assure you that we will find a permanent solution to this. “Please give us one week and we will make progress and if you are not satisfied with the progress we are making, then you can take further action,” he said. He also said that a committee had been set up to look at the demands of organized labour. He added that by the close of the day or tomorrow, they will call the first meeting with labour to start the discussions and the engagements would continue. “We will do our best as your representatives to come out with solutions acceptable to you and realistic enough,” he said. Ndume also assured that the letter which contained their demands and terms of reference would be handed over to the leadership of the senate. Earlier, NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero said the nationwide mass protest was to express workers’ frustrations and grievances about the anti-poor policies that had brought hardship to Nigerians. He added, ”For almost two months now, we have been engaged in discussions without fruitful motion. We got frustrated.” He, however, said that the demands of the labour include the immediate implementation of the resolutions jointly signed with organised Labour and government. Ajaero also called for the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of government including the recent hike in PMS price, school fees and VAT. He also urged the Federal Government to fix the country’s local refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna. According to him, release the eight months withheld salaries of the university lectures and workers. “Accord appropriate recognition and support to the Presidential Steering Committee and the work of its Subcommittees. “Also put a stop to in human actions and policies of government,” he added. Also speaking, Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President called for the reduction in the cost of governance. Osifo said that the governments was “insensitive to the plight of the masses.” “The Nigerian masses have been battered. They have gone through excruciating pains but in all of this, we have not heard what the President has to say about the cost of governance. “We want you in the National Assembly to show sacrifice. We want you to cut down your budget. “We want you to buy Nigerian made cars and not imported vehicles because you are creating jobs over there and importing poverty here. “We want you to show leadership because we elected you to work for us,” he said.

NLC kicks off nationwide strike; says no overture from FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday began its nationwide strike, with its President Comrade Joe Ajaero saying that there has been no advances or promises from the Federal Government for them not to proceed with the industrial action. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who spoke on ChannelsTV which was monitored by NIGERIAN ANCHOR, said the protests have begun in earnest, but however regretted the Federal Government’s nonchalance in not making any overtures to stop it. “As you can see, the nationwide protest has started and we are moving on. There has been no overture or promise from the Federal Government concerning this planned protest which means we are going ahead with it” Ajaero said. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had faced a tough decision on whether to proceed with their planned nationwide protest or cancel it, with the Federal Government making efforts to thwart the protest. Chief of Staff to the President, Bola Tinubu’s representative, Femi Gbajabiamila, had on Tuesday urged the labour unions to call off the proposed strike, citing palliative measures announced by the President on Monday night as reasons to shelve the protest. He said, “We have laid out the plans, the interventions of Mr. President, as you all heard in his broadcast yesterday, we made it clear that this was just Mr. President’s initial rollout and interventions and that conversations will be ongoing as we go along. “And we appealed to Labour, we did appeal to labour to call off the protests for tomorrow. We found listening ears here and they did agree that they all accepted that Mr. President’s broadcast was a welcome development and that they will go back home to talk to the other leaders that are not present today. So we’re hopeful that they will do the right thing and call off the strike tomorrow.” Adding to the complexity, a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations/Labour Centre has cautioned the NLC and TUC against proceeding with the strike. They expressed concerns about the potential consequences on the nation, fearing that the protest could be hijacked by disgruntled Nigerians benefiting from fuel subsidies, leading to loss of lives and property. This cautionary message was conveyed in a communique issued after a meeting at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, attended by representatives of various civil society groups. It was attended by Razak Olokoba of Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), Nelson Ekujumi (Centre for Social and Economic Rights), Titi Akosa (Centre for 21st Century Issues), Linus Okoroji (Humanity Services Project), Raji Rasheed Oyewunmi (Yoruba Citizen Action for Change), Gbenga Soloki (Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence), Razaq Oladosu (Grassroots Democratic Initiatives), Ramat Abdulrazak (Women Grassroot Network), among others.  It awaits to be seen how the strike action will pan out after its first day (today).

Subsidy: NLC in dilemma over planned strike amid CSOs’ pullout

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are facing a tough decision on whether to proceed with their planned nationwide protest or cancel it. The Federal Government is making efforts to thwart the protest, with the Chief of Staff to the President, Bola Tinubu’s representative, Femi Gbajabiamila, urging the labour unions to call off the proposed strike. He cited palliative measures announced by the President the previous night as reasons to shelve the protest. He said, “We have laid out the plans, the interventions of Mr. President, as you all heard in his broadcast yesterday, we made it clear that this was just Mr. President’s initial rollout and interventions and that conversations will be ongoing as we go along. “And we appealed to Labour, we did appeal to labour to call off the protests for tomorrow. We found listening ears here and they did agree that they all accepted that Mr. President’s broadcast was a welcome development and that they will go back home to talk to the other leaders that are not present today. So we’re hopeful that they will do the right thing and call off the strike tomorrow.” Adding to the complexity, a Coalition of Civil Society Organisations/Labour Centre has cautioned the NLC and TUC against proceeding with the strike. They expressed concerns about the potential consequences on the nation, fearing that the protest could be hijacked by disgruntled Nigerians benefiting from fuel subsidies, leading to loss of lives and property. This cautionary message was conveyed in a communique issued after a meeting at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, attended by representatives of various civil society groups. It was attended by Razak Olokoba of Campaign for Dignity in Governance (CDG), Nelson Ekujumi (Centre for Social and Economic Rights), Titi Akosa (Centre for 21st Century Issues), Linus Okoroji (Humanity Services Project), Raji Rasheed Oyewunmi (Yoruba Citizen Action for Change), Gbenga Soloki (Campaign Against Impunity and Domestic Violence), Razaq Oladosu (Grassroots Democratic Initiatives), Ramat Abdulrazak (Women Grassroot Network), among others. Furthermore, 16 Northern-based civil society groups under the Coalition of Arewa Civil Society Organisations have also pulled out from supporting the strike, afraid that it could harm the already fragile economy and inflict further hardship on ordinary citizens. The Federal government, on its part, has pleaded with Organised Labour to suspend the strike, assuring them that they are taking measures to address the hardship caused by the removal of petrol subsidies. However, the NLC remains adamant and insists on proceeding with the national protest, asserting that the palliatives presented by the President are inadequate to alleviate the suffering in the country. In a press briefing at the end of the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, expressed hope that the labour unions would reconsider their decision and call off the planned strike after discussions with absent leaders. Meanwhile, the NLC, led by its Deputy President, Comrade Titus Amba, maintained that the President’s palliative measures were insufficient to address the issues at hand.

NLC’s planned shutdown of the country illegal, FG insists

The Federal Government has told the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, that its plan to shut down the country on Wednesday, August 2, under the guise of industrial action is illegal.  The NLC had threatened to embark on nationwide protest from August 2 following the failure to reach an agreement with the government on the recent increase in the pump price of petrol.  The Federal Government had instituted a case at the National Industrial Court, Abuja, seeking to stop the NLC from embarking on the strike action.  The court had also made an order stopping the NLC from going ahead with the strike pending the hearing and determination of the suit.  But despite the court order, labour unions have insisted on the mass protest.  The Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba, in a letter to the NLC, through their lawyer, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, said parties before the court are supposed to maintain the status quo, to respect the pendency of the matter.  In the letter with reference number MJ/CIV/ABJ/316/23 and dated July 31, 2023, the solicitor-general said, “Parties are expected to maintain the status quo even in the absence of a restraining order. However, there was no threat of contempt of court in the clarification provided by this Ministry. Undoubtedly, drawing the attention of NLC and the public to the pendency of the order cannot be equated with threats.  “The issue of peaceful protests and police permit are also not in contention, however, you may wish to be guided by the contents of the Communique issued by the National Executive Council of NLC at the end of its meeting of 27th July 2023. The decision or projected cause of action by NLC is directed principally in furtherance of issues connected with a hike in fuel price and consequential matters of palliatives and workers’ welfare. We assert that it is grossly inappropriate to lead the public protest in respect of issues relating to or connected with the fuel price increases, which are currently before the court!  “From the Communique, it is apparent that the current move by NLC goes beyond peaceful protest by issuing a seven-day ultimatum for government to meet the demands and also embark on a nationwide action to compel the government to reverse alleged anti-worker policies.  “Furthermore, uncontroverted media reports have established that NLC is not planning a peaceful protest but intends to ground the government by endangering public peace, instilling fear in the masses, and precipitating a further crisis. To buttress the above, the Assistant General Secretary of NLC, stated thus: ‘Nigerians should be prepared. That’s what we are saying. Being prepared means you have to stock food in your house and be economical with your movement at this particular point in time so as to avoid being stranded…’ “ “In the same vein, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum & Natural Gas Workers and National Union of Electricity Employees confirmed that they were working towards grounding the supply of fuel and the national electricity grid. The Ag. General Secretary of NUEE stated thus: ‘The NUEE is an affiliate of the NLC and I’ve told you that we will join the strike action. The issue is that if there’s a deadlock between labour and the government; that means that the mass protest is still going on, and definitely electricity workers, as an affiliate of the NLC, will partake in the mass protest. So, all workers in the power sector will join the mass protest on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. It is binding on every staff member to join the strike action. So, if it results in a blackout, the only option is for the government to listen to us if it wants power to return.”  “We reiterate that the interim order clearly restrained NLC from embarking on industrial action of any nature. It is common knowledge that a strike is only a form of industrial action. NLC has expressed the intention to embark on a nationwide action to force the government (employer) to agree to its demands. Furthermore, the participation of workers in the protest will result in restriction, or imitation on, or a delay in the performance of work. The foregoing, inclusive of the purported peaceful protest (in view of its intended aims or purposes), undoubtedly amounts to industrial action.  “It is incumbent on your law firm to sensitize the labour unions that peaceful protests are no justification for disrupting or shutting down essential services, which is tantamount to a strike action.”

Fuel Subsidy: Senate urges NLC to shelve planned strike

The Nigerian Senate has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its impending strike on fuel subsidy removal and continue negotiation with the Federal Government. Senate resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Monday. The motion titled: ”Urgent Need to Avert the Intending Strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress”, was sponsored by Sen. Kawu Suleiman (NNPP-Kano). Suleiman in his lead debate said the NLC has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse what the union termed as “anti-poor policies” or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2nd. He said the NLC had directed all its affiliates and state councils to immediately begin mobilisation of workers and other Nigerians, including civil society allies for a long-lasting strike and mass protests. Suleiman said the labour, in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, alleged that the Federal Government had failed to meet up with the demands it presented to it following subsidy removal on petrol. Not meeting the demand as stated in the statement could cause an astronomical rise in price of the commodity. He expressed worry that the strike would cripple the country as commercial transport operators would withdraw their services, while markets, schools and healthcare facilities would be forced to shut down. According to him, the action could heat up the polity when it occurred, saying that gains from the strike were far below the costs to either of the parties in conflict. The senator said the strike threat by the NLC, if not averted, could plunge Nigeria into deeper economic woes, dislocate businesses, hunger, and frustration. Suleiman said more hardship would lead to unquantifiable financial losses and reduce Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said the NLC proposed strike was a bad reputation for Nigerian economy and the educational system, saying that it portrayed the country in a bad light to the external world  According to him, it discourages foreigners from coming to do business or study in Nigeria. The senator said that the society always bears the brunt of strikes, adding that an idle mind was the devil’s workshop. He said there was a tendency for an increase in crime rate, social vices like armed robbery, oil bunkering, prostitution, cyber scams, among others, if the strike was allowed to hold. Following support of senators on the motion, Senate accordingly resolved to mandate its leadership to interface between the NLC and the Federal Government to avert the intending strike.

NLC’s planned protest, strike according to law –Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has said the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates can proceed on the August 2 strike and protest as planned, and that the exercise does not translate to any contempt of court. This is contained in a letter from the Falana Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, by Sam Ogala, titled “Re- NLC in contemt of Court” and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor-General, Federal Ministry of Justice on July 28. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies is for the interest of the masses and to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country. “You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt. “Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court. “And to the effect that “the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5.” Falana added that the National Industrial Court or any other Court had not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC. He argued that it was the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully and cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an industrial action or strike of any nature. “It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector- General of Polic vs Nigeria People Party (2008) of where the Court 12 WRN 65, where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit in the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye. “This includes the right to demonstrate, and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done. “If as speculated by law enforcement agents, that breach of the peace will occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order. “So that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.” He added that, finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the country. “Our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests. “Having advised the NLC and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020. “Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to. “The police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilise personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession,” he said. The National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 5, restrained the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from embarking on their planned strike to protest the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe, barred the two organizations from proceeding with the strike action, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by FG. The court held that the interim order, as well as the substantive suit, should be immediately served on both the NLC and the TUC, which were cited as defendants/respondents in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, even it fixed the matter for hearing on June 19. The court order followed an ex-parte application that FG filed through the Federal Ministry of Justice. FG’s lawyer, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who moved the application, maintained that the proposed strike action was capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector. FG further tendered Exhibits FGN 1, 2 and 3, which were notices from the NLC, TUC and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to their members, asking them to withdraw their services with effect from Wednesday, June 7. The court, in its ruling, held that it was empowered by section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, with the exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lockout or any industrial action. It held that sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006, also empowered it to grant urgent interim reliefs. The court held that the affidavit of urgency as well as the submission of FG’s lawyer revealed: “a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large”. On July 27, the Federal Government said the planned strike by the NLC over the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hardship is in contempt of an order of the National Industrial Court. Solicitor-General of the Federation Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, in a statement on the issue, warned the NLC leadership to desist from threatening court orders with disdain. The NLC, on July 19, issued a notice to begin a nationwide strike on Aug. 2 to protest the removal of fuel subsidy amid an astronomical hike in the pump price of petrol resulting from the policy announced by President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration on May 29.

NLC, TUC suspend proposed strike after meeting with FG

Nigerian labour unions have suspended the proposed strike scheduled for Wednesday, June 5 after meeting with government officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Both parties met for two days but no resolution was met to halt the proposed industrial action. Labour unions are opposing the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, causing petrol prices to jump over N500 per litre in different parts of the country. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) president Joe Ajaero and his team arrived at the presidential villa at about 5:45 pm on Monday. The NLC was absent at the meeting between the government representatives and organised labour on Sunday. Representatives of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were however in attendance. Federal government representatives at the meeting on Monday included House of Reps speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, Dele Alake, spokesperson for the government’s delegation; group CEO of NNPCL Mele Kyari, former governor of Edo state Adams Oshiomhole and former governor of Ogun State Ibikunle Amosun. Our correspondent gathered that the labour unions agreed to halt the strike for government to introduce plans to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians. Gbajabiamila said the Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would establish a joint committee to review the proposal for any wage increase or award and establish a framework and timeline for implementation. “The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC would review World Bank Financed Cash transfer scheme and propose inclusion of low-income earners in the programme,” Gbajabiamila said. “The Federal Government, the TUC and the NLC to revive the CNG conversion programme earlier agreed with Labour centres in 2021 and work out detailed implementation and timing. “The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review issues hindering effective delivery in the education sector and propose solutions for implementation. “The Labour centres and the Federal Government to review and establish the framework for completion of the rehabilitation of the nation’s refineries. “The Federal Government to provide a framework for the maintenance of roads and expansion of rail networks across the country.” Prior to the meeting, the National Industrial Court restrained the labour unions from embarking on any form of strike. Ruling on an exparte application filed before the court, Justice O.Y. Anuwe restrained the defendants (the TUC and the NLC) from embarking on the planned nationwide strike on Wednesday pending the hearing and determination of the motion of notice dated June 5, 2023. The judge also ordered that the defendants be immediately served with the originating processes, the motion on notice and the order of the court.

Subsidy Removal: FG mulls TUC’s demands, sets up c’ttee to review minimum wage

The Federal Government has said it will consider the list of demands from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) which includes a review of the minimum wage for workers in Nigeria. Speaking to State House correspondents after a meeting between the Federal Government and the TUC which lasted for about several hours, the spokesperson for the Federal government, Dele Alake, said that it will also look at the practicability of the demands. Among things the government is considering is tax holidays for workers. Alake said that most fundamentally, President Bola Tinubu will constitute a tripartite committee to include states and organised labour and the private sector to study the dynamics of the minimum wage augmentation with a view to reach an amicable conclusion. According to him, there is no disagreement with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over their demand for a review of the minimum wage or a return to the status quo, noting that the FG representatives will meet with the President to crystallize decisions on the demands. He added that the absence of the NLC does not translate to an isolation of the group in the discussion but that the FG is making efforts to reach them as the parties agreed to reconvene on Tuesday 24 hours before the scheduled strike by the NLC. Meanwhile, the TUC has maintained that the Federal Government, in the interest of social dialogue, revert the price of fuel while discussions continue. President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, said the union is hopeful as the Federal Government promised to look into their demands, the top of which is a review of the current minimum wage among others. “The demands are so long, they are so many. Part of it is the demand for a (review) of the minimum wage and we stated that for us, it is quite apt that the minimum today is not a living wage, as we all know. The value of the minimum wage since it was negotiated, has plummeted to a very abysmal level as it is today.” *Channels

Proposed Strike: No division in our ranks-NLC

*Says media reports, a product of mischief The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted reports that it is divided in the group ahead of thier planned nationwide strike on Wednesday. The union had given the federal government till Wednesday to reverse the current hike in fuel price or face mass action to protest the removal of subsidy. In a statement on Sunday, the NLC Head of Information and Public Affairs, Benson Upah, said the lead story by ThisDay Newspaper was laughable and sheer mischief. “The lead story on the front page of ThisDay of Sunday, June 4th, 2023 entitled NLC Divided as North, South-West Chapters May Shun Planned Strike , is a laughable and desperate attempt by enemies of the people to polarise Nigeria Labour Congress along ethnic or regional lines on an issue with a national spread. “Happily, this scenario only plays in their imagination as Nigeria Labour Congress continues to be the biggest pan-Nigerian organisation united by a common vision/mission and shared national values. “On the looming strike action, we want to assure that all the affiliate unions of the Congress stand together with an unshakeable resolve to prosecute, come Wednesday, except the NNPC and Government do the needful. “Whereas, primordial sentiments such as religion, region or ethnicity may be refuge for some, at the Nigeria Labour Congress, they have no place. “What counts for us are issues such as the mindless and criminal increase in the pump price of pms whose burden will be borne by the already impoverished communities of the poor across Nigeria. “The burden of this malevolent policy will not be borne by other segments of the country to the exclusion of the North or South- West. Thus, there is no reason for these regions to back out of the strike. “We do not know from where ThisDay got their story. However, if this is their way of making up for the gaps in their relationship with the new entities in power, we would say, it is rather excessive!” the statement said.