NLC Issues Ultimatum As Naira Swap Hardship Bites Harder

By Ayodele Oni

The Central Working Committee, (CWC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) has decried the shoddy implementation of the Naira re-design policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN).

According to the union, the policy  has caused considerable pain and hardship to the people.

Rising from its inaugural meeting in Abuja, the union resolved to give the government seven working days ultimatum beginning from Tuesday, March 14 to make Naira notes available to the people  or Congress would be compelled to direct its members to withdraw their  services.

The communiqué also states that “Similarly, the  CWC-in-session after reviewing the fuel supply situation in the country  and the attendant arbitrary costs at filling stations, expressed dismay at the non-challance of NNPC and Government. It accordingly resolved ask the NNPC/ FGN to normalise the fuel  supply situation.

“The CWC expressed its outrage at the surreptitious increase in electricity tariff without notice and without improvement in quality of service.”

On disputes in some states chapters with government, the apex body of the NLC resolved that “the State Council election held in 33 states successfully save Osun, Ebonyi and Imo where there were extraneous interventions by Governors were recorded.

“CWC resolved to condemn interference in Congress council election, noting that Governors have no business controlling the state councils of Congress. It also  resolved to set up caretaker committees in Osun, Ebonyi and Imo.

“CWC after reviewing the organisation and performance of the Labour Party, resolved to contribute to rebuilding and repositioning the party by sensitising workers and other Nigerians.

“There were national protest actions in Abia and Imo states over non-payment of salaries/ allowances and pensions for several months, non-remittance of check-off dues and other anti- union activities.

“Reviewing  the performance of the actions, it was noted that  Abia State Government  has signed an agreement with Congress pending full implementation of the agreement.”

The CWC similarly also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Governor of the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma to order for his serial  acts of physical and social violence which have led to the deaths of not a few, adding that an unmoderated Uzodinma was  a recipe for anarchy.

The union advised aggrieved parties in the last presidential election to seek redress in court rather than heating the polity, while advising the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to tap from last exercise and improve performance in subsequent election.