- Diri recommends farming to workers
From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and affiliate unions on Tuesday took to major roads in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State in a peaceful protest against current hardship in the country.
The peaceful protest which took off from Lambert Eradiri drive to Melford Okilo road terminated at the Bayelsa State government House where the workers made their demand to Governor Douye Diri.
Armed with placards with inscriptions such as ‘’Politicians Let the Poor Breathe’’, ‘’End Hunger and Poverty’’, ‘’ We reject IMF policies’’ ‘’Stop the High Cost of Living in Nigeria’’, ‘’ Federal Government Make Our Refineries work again’’ ‘’Fund Our Public Schools’’, the workers demanded an end to the current economic hardship in the country.
The Chairman of NLC in the state, Mr Barnabas Simon noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate has made life unbearable for the people.
According to him the high cost of food, consumable goods and services has made survival a difficult task for many families.
Diri, who received the protesters while commending them for their peaceful protest, attributed the rising inflation in Nigeria to the monetary policy reforms of the federal government in allowing the floating of the country’s currency.
“The currency, as you know, is strictly for the federal government. State governments can only advise because issues concerning the currency are on the Exclusive List and the whole problem revolves around our currency.
“I do believe that the president would not want to punish citizens of this country. I am sure that the federal government is also weighing the options of some of their policies. I believe that our president is a listening leader and he is going to do something.”
On the request for the reduction in the working days for civil servants, Diri said he was going to consult with the Head of Service and the Bayelsa State NLC chairman and look at appropriate steps to reduce the working hours of our workforce.
On the request for palliative, Senator Diri advised the NLC to rather work with the government to seek ways of stabilising the naira.
According to him, “today our currency has lost one of its basic functions, which is store of value, because on a daily basis, the naira depreciates. I advise the NLC chairman to ask for the restoration of the value of the naira, which is the number one thing. The moment that is done there will be no protest.”
He therefore urged workers to diversify their incomes by engaging in productive ventures such as farming and trading to augment their earnings.