…hail Oyebanji over fresh payment of pensioners’ arrears, others

By Rotimi Ojomoyela

Ado-Ekiti—The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC), Ekiti State Chapter on Tuesday took to the streets of  Ado. Ekiti to protest the current hunger and hardship in the land as directed by its National body.

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The train of the protest which took off from Governor’s Office Junction moved through Okesa, Erekesan to Fajuyi amidst thorough supervision by large number of policemen to avoid highjack of the rally by hoodlums.

The protesters who appeared in various labour uniforms clutched placards  with  different inscriptions, such as “Cement price for #7000 now”, “Say no to hunger”, “Go back to #100 per litre, we are tired”, “Stop subsidising the rich, let the poor breath”, among others.

Speaking with Journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the NLC Chairman, Mr Kolapo Olatunde noted that the surge in the price of food and other commodities has made life almost unbearable for common Nigerians.

The protesters in their large number later  gathered at Fajuyi center of Ado-Ekiti, where they barricaded the roads leading to the Oba Market, Bashiri and Adebayo area for almost two hours just to show their grievances.

NLC leader urged President Tinubu to hold meetings with well-meaning and reliable stakeholders to device a means of addressing the current economic situation that has subjected all Nigerians to hardship.

He said, “We are fighting for the rights of the citizens, that’s why we are calling the President Tinubu who is also one of us, to do the right thing.

“We are not fighting him, although, things might not be right in the past, but he should also talk to the reliable stakeholders to advise him.

“We want our country to be good because we know it’s full of goodies.

“If they do it well, exchange rate will not bring shame to our naira currency, we can’t be producing and still be suffering.”

Kolapo hailed Governor Biodun Oyebanji over the recent payment of pensioners and civil servants arrears.

He, however noted that “cooperative deduction still remain six. We thank Governor Oyebanji that he extended the subvention to Ekiti State University, EKSUTH, BOUESTI, College in Ijero and Ijan and we know he will also settle those people in the Judiciary.”

Kolapo said the protest will continue till Thursday, 28th February, until the federal government heed to their demands.