FLASH: NLC Accuses Tinubu Of Betrayal Over Fuel Price Hike

NLC Accuses President Tinubu of Betrayal Over Recent Fuel Price Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused President Bola Tinubu of betrayal following the recent substantial increase in fuel prices.

In a statement issued by its President, Joe Ajaero, and shared with our correspondent in Abuja on Tuesday, the Labour Centre expressed shock and dismay at the secretive hike in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing the move as a “deep sense of betrayal.”

The NLC reminded the public that one of the key reasons for agreeing to the N70,000 national minimum wage was the understanding that there would be no further increase in the price of PMS.

The Congress accused the government of breaking its promises and implementing harsh right-wing market policies that have left Nigerians in an unprecedented state of hardship.

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The NLC also condemned the government’s crackdown on protesters, the arrest and detention of citizens on fabricated charges, and what it described as the government’s encroachment on the responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

“We are deeply betrayed by the federal government’s secretive increase in the pump price of PMS. One of the reasons we accepted the N70,000 national minimum wage was the assurance that the price of PMS would remain stable, even though we knew N70,000 was not enough,” the Congress stated.

The NLC further demanded the “immediate reversal of the fuel price hike; the release of detained protesters; an end to arbitrary arrests and detentions; a reversal of the 250% electricity tariff hike; a halt to the encroachment on the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s duties; an end to policies that foster hunger and insecurity; and a stop to the government’s culture of terror, fear, and deceit.”

The NLC vowed to stand firmly with the people and not be intimidated by the government or its security agencies, warning that it would take appropriate action in the coming days.

“In the coming days, the relevant organs of the Congress will convene to make the necessary decisions, which will be made public,” the statement concluded.