Delta NLC, TUC, NULGE, Civil Society Group condemn Jonathan’s removal of fuel subsidy

The Delta State Chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress, TradeUnion Congress, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees and Civil SocietyGroup have strongly condemned President Goodluck Jonathan’s removal of fuelsubsidy.

At a peaceful protest organized in Warri, Delta Staterecently members of the organized labour called on the federal government toimmediately revert to the old price of 65 naira per litre for premium motorspirit otherwise known as petrol.

Our Senior Correspondent who covered the protest which startedfrom the Old Port gate in Warri through Effurun roundabout enroute DeltaBroadcasting Service Warri, reports that some of the inscriptions on theplacards read thus: “Ebele God will judge you”, “Goodluck tell us the truth”,Nigeria is broke” “fuel must be 65naira only”, “Ebele we shall not die in yourhand”, “No to fuel subsidy removal”.

Addressing the protesters, the Vice Chairman of the TradeUnion Congress, Delta State Chapter, Comrade Nicholas Obi Nkwocha stated thatif the federal government must remove the fuel subsidy, there must befunctional refineries and other social amenities in the interest ofNigerians.  He said President Jonathanmust be prepared for Nigerians otherwise Nigerians will be prepared for him.

Renowned Delta based human rights activist, Barr. CaselyOmon Irabor who also spoke during the protest vowed that the struggle must befought to the end. He said unless the price of petrol is reverted to 65nairaper litre, Nigerians will continue the peaceful protest. He opined that apathyon the part of the President is a fertile ground for tyranny and advised thatthe price of fuel be reduced in the interest of the suffering masses.

For his part, President of the Nigerian Union of LocalGovernment Employees, Comrade David Ofoeyeno said Nigerians cannot suffer thisagain. According to him, President Jonathan should listen to the voice of thepeople who need food, employment and other social amenities and not furtherhardship.

Speaking earlier, the National President of the Committeefor the Defence of Human Rights, Mr. Sunny .A. Enenuvwedia berated the federalgovernment for removing the subsidy on petrol while consultations was stillgoing on.

Fresh Angle can also report that while the protest lasted, apro-subsidy removal group of Ijaw extraction invaded the process, but thematurity of the NLC, TUC & Civil Society group members averted what wouldhave been a serious clash.

Our Senior Correspondent also reports that some staffers of theWarri Zonal Office of NNPC were seen at the top floor of the office complex,even as the gate leading to the premises was locked.

Fresh Angle can also report that some hoodlums took advantageof the peaceful protest to rob passersby of their belongings between Deco roadin Warri and Effurun roundabout.

By: Matthew Omonigho

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