Members of the Nigerian Labour Congress gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, protesting what they called ”the effect of poor governance”.They marched on the streets of Abuja, carrying placards with Various Inscriptions to the National Assembly and the Presidential Villa.
The protest code named ‘national day of action against corruption and for good governance’ held simultaneously in Abuja and Lagos.
At the Presidential Villa, a delegation of organized labour and civil society organizations led by the president of the Nigerian Labour Congress and his Trade Union Congress counterpart presented an 18 point demand to the Federal Governmental
Receiving the 18-point demand, acting president Yemi Osinbajo said that there is an orchestrated campaign by corrupt people in the country to diminish the successes so far recorded by the present administration in its fight against corruption.
Prof. Osinbajo who noted that corruption has ravaged the nation, said that if the country fails to win the battle against corruption, it will not return to the path of sustainable growth.The Acting President said that the Buhari administration is aware of the difficulty that Nigerians are going through but maintained that the Federal government’s response is to go back to agriculture.
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress Ayuba Wabba expressed concern over the issue of poor governance and the systemic corruption in the country. He noted that to realise the fight against corruption, it is important that Nigerians are kept abreast with Government Policy actions.
President of the Trade Union Congress Bala Kiagama said that the organised labour identifies with the Federal Hovernment in its fight against corruption. He called on government at all levels to imbibe the change mantra of the present administration, stressing that corruption should not be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Nigerian workers under the umbrella body of NLC and TUC stormed the National Assembly complex demanding good governance. The workers also want government to intensify its anti-Corruption crusade.They want government to look into issues of minimum wage; have their salaries increased to match with current high cost of living in the country.
Senate President Bukola Saraki told the protesters that they are not alone in the situation. He assured them that government is doing all that was possible to address the situation.The workers were somehow comforted by Saraki’s words as they walked away with their hope re-energized, ashe called on the Present administration to find Palliative even as the Budget Process continues.
”As we continue with the budget process, we must find palliative measures. We cannot continue like this”
“I hear you! The exchange rate is high, the tension is high — the only thing that has stayed low are your salaries.”
”We feel your pains! We hear your words! Everything that you have brought to our attention will be addressed”
“We are on the same side, because we all want Nigeria to be better!”
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