By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has noted with dismay that the atmosphere in the country is highly charged, making citizens to groan under intense hardships and pressure with many hardly feed their families one meal a day.
According to the workers body, it is not justifiable to continue to go in this direction without searching for immediate solution, and democracy is all about the people, their needs and plight must be attended to, once they voiced out, “It is the only way to ensure the sustenance of the system and uphold the tenets of our democracy”.
The State Chairman of the Bauchi chapter of the labour, Comrade Dauda Shu’aibu described the now being canvassed N30,000 National Minimum Wage as ridiculous, as it could not purchase half a bag of maize or rice, talk-less of other necessities of life or family needs.
Comrade Dauda Shuaibu was speaking at the Bauchi Government House gate Tuesday when he led a protest of workers and citizens to the corridors of power to convey their displeasure on the increased hardships which also precipitated insecurity in the land following fuel subsidy removal for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Bauchi NLC, while calling for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and insecurity in the country, said “Your Excellency, the Nigeria Labour Congress decided to embark on a NATION-WIDE PROTEST to draw the attention of Political Authorities and particularly the Federal Government, on the increased hardship and general insecurity in the Nation.
“The administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has made several mouth watering promises following the removal of subsidy on petrol since his assumption of office in May, 2023 without positive result to show for it”.
“Today the country is on backward integration, our national currency, the Naira has been bastardized, life has become so difficult for all citizens especially the working class whose income is fixed and static.
The N30,000 National Minimum Wage is now ridiculous, as it could not purchase half a bag of Maize or Rice, talk-less of other necessities of life or family needs”.
“Your Excellency, this is the second time we are taking to the street to ventilate our anger on the careless attitude of the Federal Government on the plight of citizens in less than one year.
The last time we came out, was on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2023, this was after a long wait for palliatives to cushion the effect of the removal of subsidy on petrol, which up to now has not been resolved”.
Shu’aibu added, “No one dispute the fact that, not much has been done from that time to-date to address the suffering of citizens.
Added to this unfortunate scenario is the continuous killing, abduction and kidnapping of citizens on daily basis and Government is not doing enough to arrest the situation”.
“Many citizens today could not travel out no matter the necessities because of fear of being kidnap or attack on the highway. It is only those who could afford to travel by air that are safe.
And air travel in the country today is only reserved for the political and first class citizens, which does not include the worker no matter your grade level”.
Comrade Dauda Shu’aibu therefore called for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and general insecurity in the country, warning that “Failure upon which a total shutdown of the country will follow in the next two weeks.
Some of our grievances include but not limited to the immediate implementation in good faith of all the resolutions with Congress jointly signed with Government,
“Provide adequate security in the country and stop the killing and abduction of citizens across the nation. Fix our local Refineries in PORTHARCOURT, WARRI and KADUNA, and put a stop to all inhuman actions and policies of Government”, he concluded.
Speaking while receiving the state NLC chairman and his team at the Government House, Bauchi on a peaceful nationwide protest, the state deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Mohsmmed Jatau noted that the present administration in Bauchi shares the concerns expressed by the organized labor at this difficult period of hardship.
The Deputy Governor pointed out that Governor Bala Mohammed led administration recognizes the immense responsibility entrusted to him by the people of Bauchi, hence it’s commitment to improve the quality of lives of every citizen in the state, as well as alleviate the plight and sufferings of the people generally.
“I am here on behalf of my principal, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State to receive you on your nationwide protest. Your peaceful protest resonates with the concerns of every Nigerian facing the hardships and challenges that have burdened our people. Your voices raise awareness of the struggles, the pain, and the need for immediate action”.
“I extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you for your peaceful approach in expressing your grievances.
Your discipline and respect for the rule of law demonstrate a commendable commitment to democracy and civic duty.
It is through dialogue that we find solace, understanding, and solutions to the obstacles that lie before us.”
He explained that the state government is determined to fostering an environment of inclusiveness and collaboration where all stakeholders, including organized labor, are given a platform to contribute their quota, opinions, suggestions, and expertise and implored the organized labor to continue engaging constructively with the government as their inputs are vital in shaping policies that will better the lives of people.
The Deputy Governor therefore recalled that immediately after the removal of fuel subsidy, the state government distributed bags of rice to the people of the state to cushion the effect and assured that the government would work assiduously to address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.
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