A worker rings a bell during a protest demanding that the government reinstate prices of fuel at 86.50 naira ($0.43, 0.38 euros) per litre in Lagos, on May 18, 2016. Nigeria’s government on May 18 warned against “illegal strike action” after some union members vowed to press ahead with a national strike over petrol price rises despite a court injunction.
-Banks,markets,public,private offices in full operations
By Joseph Erunke
ABUJA – AS the strike called upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress,NLC,over last week’s increment in price of fuel pump by the Federal Government,enters second day,workers in Abuja continue their work undeterred.
But the union,led by its president,Ayuba Wabba, said the strike was recording tremendous success,in spite of boycott by some workers at the instance of the Joe Ajaero-led NLC leadership.
Workers in public and private offices,including banks were seen Tuesday,in full operation in their various offices just as commercial activities were in full gear in the nation’s seat of power.
The NLC, through its Secretary- General, Peter Ozo-Eson, insisted that the strike was a success in view of what it described as government’s intimidation of its leaders and workers in its employ.
The labour organisation,in a statement hailed its members and civil society allies for turning out “enmasse” on yesterday to prosecute the strike action against the increase in pump price of petroleum product.
The congress praised those who supported the protest, for taking action “in spite of teething challenges”.
The union said: “We salute their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of overwhelming acts of threats and treachery”.
The NLC vowed to continue with the protest, saying “no reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be different”.
The statement added: “Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the protest continues tomorrow,” it said in a statement Wednesday evening.
“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members, friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest tomorrow.
“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout tomorrow at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is just the beginning,” the statement added.
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