Sophia Michaels
Protesting workers on Wednesday took over streets in Enugu to protest against the harsh policies of the Federal Government.
The workers, under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, the Trade Union Congress, TUC, and affiliate unions, took off from the Labour House, New Market, Enugu capital.
From there, they marched through the New Market Roundabout to the State Secretariat, through Okpara Avenue to the Enugu Government House.
They were received by the Deputy Governor of Enugu State, Barr Ifeanyi Ossai.
The Enugu State Chairman of the NLC, Fabian Nwigbo said that the Bola Tinubu-led administration ambushed Nigerians on its first day in office with the removal of fuel subsidy which had more than doubled the sufferings of the people.
He noted that while the price of petroleum products and other commodities in the market had gone up as a result of the removal, salaries of workers had not increased.
“The anti-human policies of the government continue to affect our people, some of them are dying as a result.
“We are tired of what is happening, the N30,000 minimum wage cannot even fill the tank of a tricycle and that is what some of us are earning and using to feed our families,” he said.
On his part, Chairman of TUC in the State, Ben Asogwa said that the labour unions had kicked against the idea of subsidy removal when it was contemplated.
“When the government insisted, we asked that they make our refineries work again and convert our vehicles to Gas-powered to make it cheaper for us, as well as increase our minimum wage.
“But none of that was done and now, some of us that have cars have dumped them because we can’t even afford to fuel them again.
“We want the Governor to take our message to the President and tell him that we are not happy with the sufferings we are good through,” he stated.
Responding, Ossai, who addressed the workers on behalf of Governor Peter Mbah thanked the workers for conducting themselves peacefully during the protest.
He said the Governor had already set up a committee that would look into the provision of subsidies as part of efforts to help cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.
“The Governor has also sustained the delivery of petroleum products at a reduced cost to make it easier for the people,” he said, adding that the workers’ decision to peacefully protest following the removal was in the right direction.
He said that the current administration would further engage with the labour unions in the State to think about permanent solutions to the problems arising as a result of the subsidy removal.
“We want to enhance public transportation that will be conducive and cost effective for the people.
“We are also looking at reducing the cost of school fees our children pay and the cost of healthcare delivery so that salaries earned will be enough to cater to other family needs,” he assured.
