By Muhammadu Sabiu
Following a rally by organized labour on Wednesday, banks, offices, and other businesses were closed across several regions of the nation in protest at the Federal Government’s inability to offer palliatives to ease the pain of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
In some sections of Abuja, Abakaliki, and other major regions, a number of commercial and economic establishments were shut down, and numerous travellers were left stranded.
In order for organized labour to end their protests, they insisted on a N200,000 minimum salary for workers as well as other relief measures for Nigerians.
Later on Wednesday night, the demonstrators met with President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Villa under the leadership of Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigerian Labour Congress, and Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress.
The labour leaders met with National Assembly leaders after the event and voiced their concerns about the country’s deteriorating social and economic situation as a result of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
Around 8.30 am, the protestors commenced their street demonstration at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja. They later marched to the Ministry of Justice and then to the National Assembly entrance, where they briefly clashed with the on-duty security officials.
The demonstrators had requested access to parliamentarians who were interviewing cabinet candidates from the security guards.
However, as the security personnel were lackadaisical, the restless protestors tore down the fence and trooped into the assembly area, where they spoke with Senator Godswill Akpabio’s representative, Senate Chief Whip Ali Ndume.
Ajaero requested that the government reduce the price increases for Premium Motor Spirit, school costs, and value-added tax on behalf of the workers.
The labour unions also requested that the refineries be fixed as soon as possible, saying that Nigerians must insist that fuel be produced domestically rather than imported.
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