Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Protesters who participated in the nationwide protest declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Abia State Wednesday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign if he was bereft of ideas to fix the various challenges of the country.
The protesters who trooped out en masse at Okpara Square Umuahia carried placards with different inscriptions, and chanted anti-government songs.
After assembling at Okpara Square the peaceful protesters marched to Government House where they were addressed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor.
Some of the placards read: “Tinubu please step down let the poor breathe;” “Reverse the price of fuel;” “We can’t breathe;” “We are tired of wicked policies;” among others.
Among the many demands of the protesters were the immediate reversal of the fuel price hike; stoppage of all anti-people policies; and action plans to cushion the biting effects of the fuel subsidy removal.
They also called for the reversal of the hike in school fees and Value Added Tax, VAT.
The protesters equally demanded Government to fix local refineries and the release of eight months of withheld salaries of university lecturers and other staff.
Addressing the protesters, NLC Chairman, Abia State chapter, Comrade Pascal Nweke, accused Government of insensitivity to the plight of the masses.
He said Labour would not bulge until the demands of the people were met.
The NLC boss further demanded “the immediate inauguration of the Presidential Steering Committee and sub-committees as agreed in its previous communications and to put a stop to inhuman actions and policies of the government.”
Adding his voice, the National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, regretted that Government had decided to suppress the people with harsh policies.
Osodeke, regretted that in Nigeria of today, “the poor now subsidises for the rich.”
He expressed disappointment over the insensitivity of the ruling class over the plight of the masses, saying that Nigeria needs urgent rescue from the oppressors.
Addressing the protesters, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, noted with concern, the plight of the people following the removal of fuel subsidy.
He said that Gov. Alex Otti was making efforts to cushion the effects of the biting economic hardship.”
Once the palliative by the Federal Government drops, it will go round accordingly,” he assured.
He also regretted that “Nigeria as an oil producing country, still imports fuel,” saying it was an error.
He, however, sued for peace and patience of the masses, expressing optimism that before long all the issues raised by Labour would be tackled.
