The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) has instructed journalists to join the nationwide strike and protest declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)’s decision to end the fuel subsidy.
Gist Legit learned that the new information is contained in a press release that was made available to newsmen in Abuja and signed by NUJ National Secretary Shuaibu Usman Leman.
Keep in mind that the National Labor Congress (NLC) sent a letter to each of its 43 affiliate unions urging them to organize for a nationwide strike on June 7, 2023, to protest the elimination of the fuel subsidy.
Some of the affiliates include the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), and National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) among others.
Following this, the NUJ stated that it would join the Labour Union in its proposed action to defend Nigerians’ interests.
ALSO: BREAKING: Foreign Airlines’ Trapped Funds Hit $812m
According to the NUJ’s statement, “After presentations by the National President, Chris Isiguzo, and the National Treasurer, Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of NLC on the issue.
“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channelled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could, however, lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.
“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.
“Accordingly CWC directs all state councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limiter (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the Oil sector.”