From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commenced its mass protest against fuel subsidy removal amid tight security in Gombe.
The organized Labour Unions which comprises the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) kick-off the peaceful protest from the Labour House to Pantami township stadium in Gombe metropolis, where they were received by the Deputy Governor of the state, Manasseh Daniel Jatau. According to the protesters, they were out to register their grievance over the removal of oil subsidy, which has in turn engineered economic hardship and high cost of living.
The union presented its demands to the state government to ensure an amicable resolution. Addressing representatives of the Gombe state government and other members of Congress, the state chairman, Yusuf Ash Bello disclosed that the federal government had shown enormous disdain and contempt for Nigerian people and workers.
He explained that the government must be forced to suspend all its anti-poor policies and have regard for the welfare and cries of the citizenry.
Speaking on behalf of the state government, the Deputy Governor assured that the government is in support of the Congress and that they would take the necessary steps possible to resolve and ensure that workers’ welfare is properly addressed.
He also assured that the government would deliver the letter received from the Congress to all relevant authorities for proper action. “Be rest assured that we will do the needful and get back to you whenever a response is received from the federal government, we will call you to tell the response we get as they come,” the Deputy Governor assured.
Meanwhile, the NLC chairman in Gombe, told newsmen that the protest in Gombe was a response to the directive of the national secretariat of the Congress. He explained that the union has no issues with the government of the state, rather they were out to register their dismay over the removal of fuel subsidies.
He said: “We are relating very well with the state government, we have been having a series of meetings to discuss relating to the provision of palliative for the general public and the civil servants of Gombe state. However, be that as it may, we will not seat on oars while we are given directive.”